What to do when an overlap from renting to moving in to a new house

kim6850

Hi All.

Sorry if this sounds rather basic but I need some advice! We complete on a house purchase this Friday (yey!) but don't move out of our current rented flat until 29th May. Do we have to pay for council tax, gas, electric and water for our new house from the day we complete (4th may) or the day we will actually move into the house (which will be 29th May)?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Cheers

hazyjo

Day you complete - responsible for both properties.


Councils have different rules re council tax. Some don't charge for vacant properties, some charge more than the usual rate. You'll have to do your homework.

Mojisola

kim6850 wrote: »

We complete on a house purchase this Friday (yey!) but don't move out of our current rented flat until 29th May.

Do we have to pay for council tax, gas, electric and water for our new house from the day we complete (4th may) or the day we will actually move into the house (which will be 29th May)?

Yes. ......................

Rambosmum

Yes, but your G&E on the new place will be minimal. The amount you pay on the CT will depend on your area.


It'll also give you chance to get all addresses changed, clean it, do some work on it and move in slowly which you don't get when you move in and out on the same day!

Out,_Vile_Jelly

I had a big overlap, which I budgeted for. I then had loads of time to clear, clean, decorate, sort furniture and move in stages.

cajef

Take readings of all the meters on completion day and contact each supplier, electric, gas and water and give them the readings and the date you have completed, otherwise you may get charged for the previous occupants usage.

agrinnall

Rambosmum wrote: »

Yes, but your G&E on the new place will be minimal.

If it was going to be a long overlap (months) it might be worth considering switching G&E to a tariff with no standing charge, so that you're not paying anything while the house is empty, but for a few weeks it's probably not worth the hassle unless such a tariff is your best long term option anyway.

Sandhy

With the council tax tell the council which property is unfurnished and unoccupied.

mije1983

Sandhy wrote: »

With the council tax tell the council which property is unfurnished and unoccupied.

Different councils have different rules so worth the OP finding out what their local council's rules are.

My local council stopped offering discounts on unfurnished/unoccupied over 5 years ago.

squirrel99

I was in similar situation, contacted my council and told them the new house is unfurnished and unoccupied, they waived the fee for the first month. everything else you have to pay for both houses

hazyjo

squirrel99 wrote: »

I was in similar situation, contacted my council and told them the new house is unfurnished and unoccupied, they waived the fee for the first month. everything else you have to pay for both houses

As has been said a few times though, each council has different rules re this.




OP - have you exchanged yet? If yes, end of story. If no, you could always try delaying completion if it's going to be tight financially.