Estate agent asked us who our utility providers are after 6 months

Izzy8484

Hi there,

We moved into rented accomodation 6 months ago. Reference check was done through an estate agent. Everything else was handled by the landlady. I didnt think the estate agent had any other involvement.

I now received an email from the estate agent asking me who my following utility providers are for them to update their records:

Gas
Electricity
Broadband
Council Tax)

Why are they asking this? Do I have to provide?

Thanks!

theartfullodger

If your estate agent don't know who the council is for council tax I'd assume they need help, probably prescription medicine...

It is helpful for the landlord/agent to know who utilities are with so that as & when you depart (planned, informing them, or not - it happens..) they can more easily manage them for the next occupant. Or they might want to move you to their tame supplier who gives them a kickback....

I doubt you have to provide. Do you think you might want a reference from agent in future?

Were it me I'd ask them who their's are first... as they clearly think supplying such info is OK...

davidmcn

Izzy8484 wrote: »

Do I have to provide?

Probably not, but I can't think what harm it will cause you to answer the question.

G_M

Both the above answers seem helpful.

I'd just add: it might be worth clarifying who manages the property:

* do you pay rent to the agent of the landlord?
* who do you cann for repairs?
* who does inspections (if any)?
* what address was provided "for serving notices"?

If the agent was simply employed by the landlord for "tenant find" and the LL does all the above, then clearly the agent has no further role.

Perhaps contact the LL and ask why the agent is asking these Qs?

And/or give the LL the aswers (except the council tax!) if he wants the info for his records (it IS useful to have)

chanz4

You dont have to until checkout, as they are not apart of the utility contract. Dont let them force you togo to spark energy

chanz4

I worked in the industry for 12 years, so know the real spark provider