Newbie help!

davidm28177

Hi all

Just about to complete on an apartment and i am just wondering (apologies if this is a daft question), what happens with water, gas, electric bills when i move in? Do i have to use whatever the block uses? Do i have zero electricity etc when i move in?

Many thanks

D

Flugelhorn

davidm28177 said:

Hi all

Just about to complete on an apartment and i am just wondering (apologies if this is a daft question), what happens with water, gas, electric bills when i move in? Do i have to use whatever the block uses? Do i have zero electricity etc when i move in?

Many thanks

D

when you arrive the water / gas / electricity should be available - take the readings as soon as you can - you will be billed by whichever gas / elec company the previous owners used , phone them up and let them know re change of owner and the readings - 

you can also change gas / elec company as soon as you like to someone else - I always leave that until I have unfinished packing 

re water - not much choice there, just contact the local water company re change of name and give them the reading 

davidm28177

Thank you, that is brilliant help

tim_p

If you’re buying then the solicitor/ conveyancer should provide a pack with the details of the suppliers. If renting then the agency should also supply the details. You can then contact them to set up an account. If the place has pre-pay meters then make sure you set up a new account in your name. Simply using an existing top-up key might mean you’re paying off someone else’s debt. Finally take the meter readings & a photo yourself. Don’t trust anyone else to do it for you. 

Scot_39

Sadly there is no one answer - even more so for apartments.

Check what your rental agreement or lease says you are liable for and what any bespoke arrangements might be.

Some apartment blocks use systems such as communal hot water and heating.  Others have centralised billing - you pay an agency they pay suplliers.  Not all deals are at Ofgem protected consumer rates either - linked to more business style rates.

However, assuming in a more standard domestic direct metering setup for gas, electric. 

You inherit the supplier used by previous occupants.

You have to register an account with those suppliers  - make sure your in position to supply day 1 readings (take readings yourself - photos for records if can) - so make sure you have access to meters if not in flat but in a communal meter cabinet  (as these are often locked  - but you have iirc  legal right to access your meters - even if escorted ).

If you cannot find supplier names - see e.g. links to trace here - in the after you move section of 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/moving-home-your-energy-supply/moving-home-dealing-with-your-energy-supply/

You may default to a deemed variable tariff or they may try to sell you a fixed deal.  If you want to move supplier - stay on variable - for now.

Once you have an account in your name - you can then register to move old account to new supplier if you have a preference or deal in mind.


Water again may be metered - thats tied to regional supplier - new builds and now overall roughly just over 50% of uk homes have them in  - so try to find out from landlord/ vendor where it is if have one  -  take meter reading - contact your regional supplier register an account, they should confirm if metered or not I'm any case and should help to read if cannot locate or read..

Some with any other services - landline, broadband you may need.

And of course council tax at your local council.  And electoral role if a voter.

By mindful of fixed deals with exit fees if on a short term rental.  

PRAISETHESUN

I've lived in a few different apartment complexes over the years and they have all been slightly different. But basically you need to establish which utilities you are actually responsible for, and then contact the relevant companies on moving in. I've lived units where I'm responsible for everything, where I was only responsible for electricity/gas (water was covered by the management charges), where the LL was responsible for everything, etc. I've never moved into a property that has had services disconnected (apart from internet), and it's fairly likely you would know about that beforehand if it was relevant.

On the day you become responsible for the property (might not be your actual move in day), you need to take meter readings (if applicable) and get in touch with the existing supplier. This is to ensure that they bill you correctly moving forward and don't get your usage mixed up with the previous occupants' usage. Once you have an account set up you go from there. If you're allowed to switch suppliers then start doing some research and switch away if you want

Gerry1

When you've settled in, do the Meter Sanity Test if the meters are in an external cupboard or meter room.