New tenancy - new phone line?

Slothlife

Hi, 
Sorry if this is a stupid questions or has been covered before - I have looked here and elsewhere on the internet but can't find a definite answer. 
I am moving into a rental property for the first time in a couple of weeks, and am trying to sort out the broadband now so that I can start working from home asap. 
I have found a deal that looks okay, but when I go to order it, I have to put the current landline number in. If I say there is no landline, there is a £50 installation fee. 
The landlord is currently living in the property, but has bought another place that they are moving into. I presume that they must currently have a landline in the flat, but will that phone line remain active once they have moved out, or will I definitely need to get a new one installed when I move in?
Thanks in advance!

Neil_Jones

You should be able to search by address if you don't have a phone number.

Phone lines don't magically disconnect when the current resident ups sticks and leaves, so all that should happen is you move in and phone up BT (or Plusnet/TalkTalk/Post Office/whoever) and say I've moved in to this address, 221B Baker Street, can you set me up a new account with this phone number please.

Slothlife

I can look for deals on the comparison sites without the phone number, but can't then actually arrange for the set up. Will I just have to wait until I've moved in to get the broadband arranged?
Thanks for your help!

Neil_Jones

Slothlife said:

I can look for deals on the comparison sites without the phone number, but can't then actually arrange for the set up. Will I just have to wait until I've moved in to get the broadband arranged?
Thanks for your help!

Indeed.  Entirely plausible there may already be broadband on the line, but it may be assumed the existing occupant may transfer that away.  If its still in the local area they may have the option to transfer the phone number too.  This is one of those situations where I think you have to be patient until you get your foot in the door.

Farway

Neil_Jones said:

Slothlife said:

I can look for deals on the comparison sites without the phone number, but can't then actually arrange for the set up. Will I just have to wait until I've moved in to get the broadband arranged?
Thanks for your help!

Indeed.  Entirely plausible there may already be broadband on the line, but it may be assumed the existing occupant may transfer that away.  If its still in the local area they may have the option to transfer the phone number too.  This is one of those situations where I think you have to be patient until you get your foot in the door.

There's also the possibility current line is Virgin so OP may incur BT / Open Reach installation charge or be stuck with Virgin

I think now would be a good time before the event to have a word with the LL and ask about  it

macman

No sane occupier will leave the landline connected after they depart, as they are then effectively giving the incomer unlimited use of the line at their own expense, on their account. If the line has been disconnected, then it will need reprovisioning at the exchange or street cab, and a new number issuing. There is always a charge for this. 
The cost is the same for a new line or a reconnection, as it's cross-subsidised by OR.
Never a good idea to try and set up the utilities before you actually occupy the property.