Buying house - what happens with energy bills?

vertex

Hi,

Im buying a property. The vendor is overseas and selling it remotely.
What happens with the electricity/water bills when I move in? I dont want to be billed for his usage/standing charges.

Do I contact the energy companies as soon as Ive moved in and explain Im the new owner? I dont know who he uses for his electricity etc...

Does the council tax work the same way?

I suppose what Im asking is what's the best process to ensure a smooth transition of bills from the old owner to me.

Thanks

Goath

Contact the energy companies, explain your the new owner and give them the readings (I think)






They will start your billing from them readings

eddddy

You read the electricity and gas meters on the day you become owner (and take photos, if you like).

Then contact the energy companies that are supplying the property and give them your details and the readings.

You can then look around for cheaper tariffs, and change suppliers if you want.

scottishblondie

As has been said, take meter readings as soon as you get the keys, I would recommend photographic proof. Contact the energy suppliers and set up new accounts in your name, using said meter readings. Then shop around for a cheaper deal with another supplier.

For council tax, contact the local council and tell them the date you moved in, but don't leave it too long. Check on their website information relating to council tax - some councils require you to fill in a paper form, or an online form, and some will take details over the phone.

D_M_E

You need to read the meters and preferably photograph them, then find out who are the current energy suppliers - try https://www.ukpower.co.uk/who-supplies-my-gas-and-electricity - ring them up and tell them you are now responsible for the energy bills as from x date the day you took ownership - make sure they understand the words "from x date" as they may try to bill you for some of the previous owner's usage - and ask to be put on their cheapest tariff which does not have an exit fee.

Next, use a comparison site to find a cheap deal and switch.

Council tax - just ring up the local council and tell them you are responsible from x date for this and they will eventually send you a bill - you can if you want do this online for a lot of councils now.

Same for water - if the property has a meter, read and photograph that and contact the local water utility for the property or region and give them the address, meter reading if any and your details and they will send you a bill. With water you are stuck with the regional supplier. Meter can usually be found in the pavement at the edge of the property.

You also need to make sure the seller is actually the person who owns the property before you do anything else - this would be the first thing to instruct any solicitor to do before anything else since the vendor is overseas.

dimbo61

QAre you buying via an estate agents ?
Inform them of the meter readings and the solicitor he is using.
Email with photos of meters on the day you move in.
Ask the estate agents which energy provider he has been using and contact them to provider new readings and register with them.
You could check out what deals they have now !
Off to B and M for new LED light bulbs to replace as many bulbs as possible.
Real money saving
Inform the council tax people when you move in

vertex

Thanks so much for all your responses!