Tenant of 7yrs leaving.

tarren

My tenant of 7 years is now leaving, she's been our only tenant. and has informed her utility providers and BT.
Do I need to also contact them, or can I leave it until a new tenant takes up residency?
Thank you.

LEJC

If there is going to be a void period between your tenant leaving and your new tenant arriving it is standard practice to return utilities and council tax to the responsibility of the LL..ie you....even if it is just a few days.

She will need to supply final meter readings etc and you will need to supply your take over readings...usually similar.

In the situation where it passes back to the LL I have always found it easy to contact the utilities just after the tenant departure to reset the accounts.

theartfullodger

I ALWAYS write to all utility companies & council tax people with names, dates, meter readings if relevant on ANY change of occupant: So yes, someone moves out - do it, someone moves in - do it. Keep a copy: In writing so you have a record if they try to charge you for something wrong.


NB (You didn;t ask but..) after 7 years I (I'm a landlord) would not attempt to charge for any wear 'n tear of carpets, paintwork etc... but expect to have to re-do at my expense.

Lucky you 7 years & no voids!

tarren

Thank you gentlemen, appreciate your replies, will do as you suggest. She has been such a good tenant all of her deposit will be returned, she's earned that, bless her cotton socks.

stator

If she moves out and gives the correct meter readings then future bills will be address "To the current occupier" or similar and can be paid in the usual ways, but obviously not direct debit.
If you want the bills sent to you then you have to set up an account. You'll want to ask her what suppliers she used.
If you want to make sure everything is correct then take a meter reading as soon as she moves out.
Also, change the locks, there could be spare keys and anyone could have them

PasturesNew

Meanwhile, there have been a lot of changes since she moved in - so make sure you're up to speed with changes in laws etc re tenants.

In particular, you need to find out how you can verify/prove that your new tenant has a right to rent in the UK.

G_M

Just to add to PasturesNew's post:

Safety & the Law
Since 1/10/15, new tenants must receive the 'Prescribed Information':
* government leaflet "how to rent"
* EPC
* Gas Safety Certificate if there's gas
* smoke detectors on each floor
* CO alarm if there's solid fuel heating.

* Since 1/2/16 landlords must check tenants' immigration status.

See

* New landlords: advice, information & links

* Letting agents: how should a landlord select or sack?