Moving house!

smoo123

My 84 year old dad is moving to a flat - the sale has gone through and we are about to embark on renovations (which are extensive and I anticipate will take a fair few weeks).  He is still in his old house which we will sell the minute the flat is habitable. 

Does anyone have any advice with regard to utilities? He's with Bulb in his house - which he is very happy with - but I believe the flat is British Gas.  Do I just ring BG and tell them he isn't moving in yet? I presume he will still have to pay them the standing charges?  Is it possible to transfer a Bulb account from one address at a new address? 

Also, will he have to pay two lots of council tax?  (I presume so - but is he entitled to a reduction if the property is empty?)

Fially does anybody have any idea about water meters?  The one in the flat is sited in a REALLY weird place behind the toilet where it is i) impossible to read and ii) unsanitary.  If we want that to be moved is it our responsibility or the Water company's? 

Landline - looks like there is a phone point there - how do I find out if this is registered to a company - and whether he is currently being charged, again, while not living there?

Sorry about all of the questions but I'm trying to take as much of the stress of the move away from him as poss and want to make sure he doesn't end up paying huge amounts over the odds if he shouldn't be.  Thanks in advance for advice! 

Gerry1

You can't transfer the Bulb account.  Tell them in advance that he's moving and give a forwarding address.  Send Bulb the final reading on the completion date.

Register with BG on the date he takes possession and give opening readings.  Don't be bamboozled into taking a fixed contract, stay on the Standard Variable Tariff.

Find My Gas Supplier

Find My Electricity Supplier (two stage procedure)

Council Tax policies vary, you'll have to check.  As with energy, tell them the dates of ending and starting possession.

Landline: shop around, taking over fees and line rental charges vary widely.  You don't have to pay anything if you don't use it (there many not even be a dialling tone) but if you leave it too long it may be disconnected and cost more to start the service later on.

Water:  I think you'll find it's the water company's problem, not yours.  If they haven't objected then it'll stay where it is unless you ask them to move it, and they'd almost certainly charge.  If you're that concerned, read it by taking a video with a mobile phone taped to a broom handle.

smoo123

Thanks that's all extremely useful.  I think the flat is currently registered with BG so will let them know. I presume he won't be able to start a new Bulb account (am I right in thinking their business has now transferred to BG?)  And will BG be the best option for the new flat - ie, there's no point in the current climate in shopping around?  Thank you  

Gerry1

Bulb is in special administration, effectively government run because it's too big for a SoLR but also too big to fail.  Bulb is unlikely to take on new customers, only Octopus and EDF seem to be doing that, and only if you phone.

No point in shopping around, although Octopus will share £100 if someone refers them.

Ectophile

For council tax, check with the council.  Last time I was in that position, I got a substantial rebate on my empty flat, but only for a few months.  After that, I had to pay twice.  That's what you get for owning multiple properties.

The water meter belongs to the water company.  I'm sure they will charge if you want it moved.

The landline may well be connected to a supplier if it hasn't been disconnected for non-use over a long period.  But that doesn't stop you signing up with whoever you like.  Allow a bit of time for it to be transferred.