FTB - Sorting bills for my new flat

K4yl5

Hi guys,

I'm collecting the keys to my new flat this Friday (finally!!!! :j) and I was wondering if I contact British Gas, Thames water, etc, before the day I move in to open accounts, or do it Monday after the weekend?

Property is currently empty as tenant moved out over 2mths ago, so I'm not sure if any supply to a property can be 'turned off'... I'll be taking photos of the meters upon entering so I can confirm readings at the time I take ownership.

Thanks!

aneary

The day you move in, if you have time. Most utility companies are open over the weekend if you don't have time to call them on friday.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

No point doing anything before you're the legal owner. You also need to notify your Council; don't forget the single occupant discount if relevant.

Slithery

Do you know that it's British Gas that you're meant to be contacting?

With gas and electric you're in a deemed contract with whoever currently supplies the property. You need to sign up with them first before you can switch to your preferred supplier.

The landlord should have this information as they have been responsible for any energy/standing charges used during the void period.

saajan_12

Take meter readings on the day of completion (ideally dated photos incase there's a dispute).

You'll be under a deemed contract with the current utility supplier(s) from then (as soon as the property starts using utilities) and will need to give your details to the supplier to arrange payment for that period, but this can be in the week, no rush on day 1.

You can then shop around and move to your preferred supplier / tariff in the following weeks.

G_M

Read the meters on Friday then ring the utilities (existing suppliers) Friday or Monday to set up accounts and provide the opening meter readings.

Don't forget to read the water meter is there is one.

elverson

There may already be a letter 'to the new occupier' from the current suppliers when you get there - this will ask you to give them meter readings and the date (i.e. your completion date).

shortcrust

I moved in on a Friday, read the meters that day and called everyone on the following Monday. No problem.

K4yl5

Thanks for the replies! Good point on there already being a current supplier. Only dealt with the vendors solicitors so will ask the agent if he has any supplier details. @elverson - good call, I probably would have handed ALL the existing mail over to the agent.

Hoping the call to set up a new account is shorter than the time you spend dealing with queries/issues.

Lokolo

K4yl5 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies! Good point on there already being a current supplier. Only dealt with the vendors solicitors so will ask the agent if he has any supplier details. @elverson - good call, I probably would have handed ALL the existing mail over to the agent.

Hoping the call to set up a new account is shorter than the time you spend dealing with queries/issues.

I wouldn't bother with asking the agent. Unless yours vendors have been pretty good I'd just investigate yourself.

https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/who-supplies-my-electricity-and-gas/

There are regional numbers for electricity who will supply you with the supplier name and number, gas there is one helpline who will be able to do the same.

You could do this today in preparation if you're bored.

bouicca21

Might be easier to set up a new account online - plus you might be eligible for a switching bonus.

When I moved into my flat I tried to sort out the electric in a phone call and met the brick wall of the operator's script. This included asking if I had loft insulation. Me: Well no, it's a ground floor flat with others above. Them: No loft insulation? Then your monthly payment will be much higher. Me: but I don't have a loft to insulate. Them: If you have no loft insulation your usage will be high.

And so on ad nauseam.