Utilities on empty rental, who liable?

DottieDam

Having moved out of our rental early (after moving into bought house) we have given back keys so they can do viewings at their leisure with a potential of if they find someone they will stop our contract early.

I know we are liable for council tax up until the end of tenancy but what about gas/electricity?

The house is freezing so they would be fools to not pop heating on for a good time before viewings but don't feel like we should be paying for it.

Comms69

You should be doing that. And you would remain liable.


Your physical presence in the flat (or lack thereof) has no bearing on your responsibilities.

danlewi2

did you agree meter reading on your checkout?

Alter_ego

Did the landlord release you from the contract or have you just moved out?

DottieDam

Haven't actually checked out yet, they are waiting for landlord to get back to agency but they are doing viewings already and said (via email) property is in great condition.

I also took readings when we left so can compare final readings.

If the heating is my responsibility then they surely don't have the right to put it on then?

DottieDam

Argh replies aren't working on my phone but as I said I've moved out and if they find a new person they will release us from contract.

Alter_ego

DottieDam wrote: »

Haven't actually checked out yet, they are waiting for landlord to get back to agency but they are doing viewings already and said (via email) property is in great condition.

I also took readings when we left so can compare final readings.

If the heating is my responsibility then they surely don't have the right to put it on then?

Then everything is down to you as though you still occupy it. Including any responsibility for a freeze up.

Comms69

DottieDam wrote: »

Haven't actually checked out yet, they are waiting for landlord to get back to agency but they are doing viewings already and said (via email) property is in great condition.

I also took readings when we left so can compare final readings.

If the heating is my responsibility then they surely don't have the right to put it on then?

No they don't. But then if the pipes freeze and cause problems; you would be liable for the cost of making good

danlewi2

You would still be liable as per your tenancy - also you should consider the risk that if you let it get too cold and a pipe burst you are responsible. I would set it to come on a few hours a day minimum - end of the day that gas bill is cheaper than a burst pipe repair.

DottieDam

OK note to self don't use hyperbole on a forum.

The house gets very very cold and would be off putting to potential tenants. So I can see why they would want to warm it up and make it more welcoming before hand.

But I think on reflection I should rescind my offer of them viewing before our tenancy ends. We only have to pay for seven days rent anyway with tenancy ending in ten days and could end up with costly bills (they are very expensive in that house).

Will put heating to come on for hour a day though just in case.

Pixie5740

DottieDam wrote: »

OK note to self don't use hyperbole on a forum.

The house gets very very cold and would be off putting to potential tenants. So I can see why they would want to warm it up and make it more welcoming before hand.

But I think on reflection I should rescind my offer of them viewing before our tenancy ends. We only have to pay for seven days rent anyway with tenancy ending in ten days and could end up with costly bills (they are very expensive in that house).

Will put heating to come on for hour a day though just in case.

This is a property in Scotland, isn't it? Do you think that heating the property for 1 hour a day will be sufficient to prevent pipes freezing and bursting in a house that gets, "very very cold?" Alternatively you could drain the system.