How many bills to pay??

becky..._3

Im about to move out to live with my friends -cant wait
but i have no idea about bills for anything, I know there will be . . .

the rent to pay,
water,
gas,
council tax,
electricity,
phone bill/internet

am I missing anything? I need to check I can actually afford this before I do it!! Thanks
Also would anyone be able to tell me roughly how much the above cost.
Ohh and theres food and transport costs. . . .ohhh dear.

Thankyou

newlywed

Hi, don't forget TV licence too

As for costs - depends on the size of the house really - gas, elec, council tax all vary.

For council tax you can look up the local council website and there will be links there for how much for each "band" as well as a link to work out what "band" your property will be

Ken68

Welcome...you need to pin down, Becky...who would be responsible for paying the bills, and what happens when one of you leaves. Keep tabs on the readings, especially when moving in and let the supplier know.
Make sure you are not lumbered with paying a final bill.
If you route the bills thru your landlord, he might well add a bit .
Walking and cycling are the cheapest, and porridge with fruit will keep you going all day.
The national average for gas is over 20,000 kwh per year and for electric 3300. Feed these figures into a comparison site, listed above, divide by however many..Energyhelpline is recommended.
Make sure tis only you and friends who are using the gas/electric. Keep weekly readings, build up a picture.
What are you going to do if one of you is wasting the energy.??

becky..._3

Just the two of us in a two bed flat in the centre of manchester - so I guess the council tax will be high - gonna check that now, thanks.

At least that means I won't need my car though
We've already decided to split the bills 50:50, except the phone bills.

Thanks for reminding me about tv license too! Im meeting my mate tomoro while we figure it out over a very long coffee!

Thanks for all your help so far!!

sassybooboos

u can also pay elec and gas on a budget scheme where you pay an amount monthly rather than get a big bill to pay. it does help take some of the worry away.

daveyjp

Contents insurance.

Plushchris

As far as the gas and electric is concerned Energyhelpline has a "usage estimator" on their site, just click the "I dont know my usage" box where you enter the details and go to the detailed estimator, it will ask you what size property it is and how you heat the property etc. I found this to be reasonably accurate when I used it but obviously remember this is just an estimate and your costs may well be different.


Also, as Ken said above, take meter readings when you move in and keep a note of them, that is the best piece of advice and may well come in very handy if there are any disputes between you and the suppliers, landlord or even your friend (it can happen!) Take regular meter readings when every bill comes in and phone the supplier with an accurate reading if the bill is estimated. Never pay an estimated bill if you can help it!

Terrylw1

One thing I would say is definately make sure both your names are on the tenancy agreement and the utility bills (unless the landlord pays them and bills you back - your agreement will state this)

I've seen loads of students go through tons of hassle for non paying parties who leave. It then becomes a matter of you doing all the work to sort it out (and even pay if you can't prove the other party has to)

So, be careful with bills when you share.