Getting utilities on moving in

Green3

When you move into a new home, how do you go about getting all the utilities (water, electricity, gas, ) transferred to your name if you want use the same ones which the sellers were using? Are utilities dis-connected when a seller leaves the house?

davidmcn

Green3 wrote: »

When you move into a new home, how do you go about getting all the utilities (water, electricity, gas, ) transferred to your name if you want use the same ones which the sellers were using?

Just phone them up once you get the keys, and they'll transfer the accounts to your name. You'll need to use the same companies as the sellers at least initially, as you need to give a minimum notice period for any switch.

SwanJon

When you move in (and use energy) you automatically become a customer of the existing suppliers - it takes 2-4 weeks to change to someone new.
You should be told who the suppliers are - take readings on the day you move in and give them a call and they'll set up the accounts.
Unless you say otherwise, you'll be put on the standard tariff so have a look if there is one more suited to you.

pinkteapot

They won't be disconnected. When you get the keys, you can use the elec/gas/water, but read the meters as soon as you can and write down the readings. Then phone the suppliers within a few days, say you've taken over the property and give them the address, date you moved in and opening meter readings.

It's really important to get the opening meter readings. If the seller lies to them about their closing readings (says they're lower than they were), or doesn't give them readings and they estimate, they'll start your account with readings lower than they should be and you'll end up paying more than you should.

I take photos of the meters showing the readings but that might be a bit paranoid.