Moving out before end of lease - utility bills?

breaking_free

Hi all.

I'm currently renting with a lease end date mid January next year. IF I get very lucky my house purchase will complete before my lease ends.

Let's say I move out 3 weeks earlier than the lease end date. I know I must continue to pay rent till the lease ends, but if I've already handed back the keys do I still need to pay the utilities till lease end? I'm sure the answer is "Yes", but wanted to ask the wise folks here.

Cheers.

user1977

You're still the occupier even if you're not actually there. Nobody else is going to pay your bills.

MaryNB

Yes. You should not give back the keys because you need to take the final meter readings on the last day of your tenancy.

You are still responsible for the property so it is not wise to give up access. Only give back the keys if the landlord has found another tenant who can move in within those three weeks and the landlord  has agreed to allow you to surrender the tenancy. Once the new tenant is in, all your liabilities end. 

breaking_free

Good answers thanks. Exactly what I expected but I needed it spelled out in black and white.

Cheers all.

theartfullodger

Negotiate with landlord (preferably rather than agent).  Absolutely nothing stopping both of you agreeing to an early end to tenancy (a "surrender" ) on whatever terms, which might suit you both.

Good luck with purchase

rexmedorum

theartfullodger said:

Negotiate with landlord (preferably rather than agent).  Absolutely nothing stopping both of you agreeing to an early end to tenancy (a "surrender" ) on whatever terms, which might suit you both.

Good luck with purchase

aah you beat me to it. We did this in the past.
It's very attractive to a Llandlord especially if you agree to still pay the rent anyway (like we did). It means they'll get the property back empty early with ample of time to find new tenants for only some minor costs.

sacvwgolf

What happens in regards to council tax? Are they able to accommodate someone 'living' in two houses?

Jaybee_16

sacvwgolf said:

What happens in regards to council tax? Are they able to accommodate someone 'living' in two houses?

I moved out of a rental property three months before the end date. Spoke to the Council Tax department who told me that if the property was empty and unfurnished, they would change it to zero council tax for a maximum of six months. 

Don't think too many councils offer that. 

canaldumidi

Council Tax: If you are in a fixed term tenancy, then you are liable for the CT till the fixed term ends irrespective of whether you live/stay there or not.

Though 'Empty Property' discount may apply.

If you are in a periodic tenancy, give notice, but vacate befoe the notice expires, CT liability ends when you vacate, NOT when your notice, and the tenancy, expire.