How to cancel?

Natzdance

Hey everyone, hoping for a bit of advice.

I will be moving out of my rented property in 7weeks after a 1year period. I have been told my my estate agent that it is my responsibility to cancel all utilities.
I have never rented before so am a bit new to this and was just hoping for a bit of advice on the best way to do it and organise for paying off the last of the money that will be owed.

cheers
Natz

captain_insano

Natz, you just need to give your gas and elec company a call with a meter reading as close as possible to the date you move out. Also give them a forwarding address which they can send the final bill to.

roger56

A call is fine. However on the day you move out, read the meters and send a letter to the utilities with a copy to the agents or landlord. Keep a copy for yourself. Make sure that the readings are agreed as part of the Outgoing inventory and statement of condition (or checkout). (You should also have an Ingoing inventory and statement of condition which you agreed when you moved in).

Just in case you have any problems with deposits etc, CAB offer good advice here:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/housing/finding_accommodation/index/family_parent/housing/finding_accommodation.htm#deposits_and_premiums

Also this 2 page leaflet from ARLA is very good, it provided very useful advice for me when deposit money was unfairly with-held. Download it for help
http://www.arla.co.uk/info/codeofpractice.htm

Be very clear, your deposit money is not just extra income for the Landlord, it is your money and can only be with-held for good provable reasons.
Check you incoming inventory and statement of condition carefully and record any differences when you leave. Make sure the place is clean and tidy. Take digital photos on exit if you can, especially of existing damage/marks/stains etc. ARLA recommend the tenant is present during checkout inspection. Insist on this (in writing).

Good Luck