Energy bills before moving in?

wordsearch

Hello all!

After nearly six months, my house purchase has finally sorted itself out.

However, due to how long it's all taken the mortgage offer expires next week, meaning of course that completion has to be before that.

We have to give two months notice at our current property, meaning we'll be paying for both during that time.

However, as a result we have no intention of actually moving in to the other property until next month - We would begin very slowly moving stuff over and buying new things from early June and then fully move it at the end of June. As such, it's unlikely we'll use any electric etc whatsoever.

Do we have to begin paying for these immediately when we take over the flat, even though we won't actually be occupying it for a while? I assume that council tax is a given and we'll be paying that at both properties regardless, but not sure how the energy bills will work out when we won't actually be using them.

Thanks!

G_M

wordsearch wrote: »

We have to give two months notice at our current property,

because........??

However, as a result we have no intention of actually moving in to the other property until next month -.... As such, it's unlikely we'll use any electric etc whatsoever.
I expect you'll use a bit. And if not, you may find there's a Standing Charge.

Do we have to begin paying for these immediately when we take over the flat,
Probably. Read the meter as normal on Completion day and either
a) give the supplier your details & explain you're not yet in occupation - the initial bill will be negligible. Or

b) tell the supplier to cut off the supply. Though this is a real hasstle and you're bound to regret it.

I assume that council tax is a given and we'll be paying that at both properties regardless,

Look at the council website. Some councils give discounts or zero charge for (6?) months if the property is unoccupied and/or empty (read the rules carefully.

But you'll still have to give them your details, take over liability, and then claim the discount etc.

davidmcn

wordsearch wrote: »

not sure how the energy bills will work out when we won't actually be using them.

In exactly the same that they would work out if you were using them, but obviously less because, er, you're not using them. But if you're the occupier (whether you're actually sleeping there or not) then your name will be on the bill.