Rented house - switching fuel suppliers

Fen1

Can I actually do this as the tenant? I've checked my tenancy agreement (looks like a standard assured shorthold tenancy) and says that I have to inform the landlord before I switch utility providers. I'm currently with British Gas duel fuel. Given that my landlord is NOT the easiest of people, stick with BG, and get a capped tariff? I don't know how long I'm going to live here, but probably for another 6 months at least, so I know I'm going to be hit by the winter weather, and this is a very cold house.

I don't want to do anything that will get me into trouble with the landlord, but I also don't want to get stuck with a three year contract if I move out in 9 months.

Any advice gratefully received.

Incisor

Fen1 wrote: »

Can I actually do this as the tenant? I've checked my tenancy agreement (looks like a standard assured shorthold tenancy) and says that I have to inform the landlord before I switch utility providers. I'm currently with British Gas duel fuel. Given that my landlord is NOT the easiest of people ...

You've answered your own question. You can, it's in the agreement. If dealing with the landlord is the issue, that's a different question which needs some more background.

... stick with BG, and get a capped tariff? I don't want to do anything that will get me into trouble with the landlord, but I also don't want to get stuck with a three year contract if I move out in 9 months.

Mostly domestic utilities contracts acknowledge that you will move, so you shouldn't get tied in. But given that BT are sticking 1 year on everyone, you need to look at the details of any deal.

tbs624

A LL's consent to a Tenant changing suppliers must "not be unreasonably withheld".

To withhold consent would clearly not be reasonable on the grounds that the contract between you and the energy supplier is separate from your Tenancy Agreement, and it would be an unfair contract requirement for a tenant to be tied in to utilities at a higher cost than is necessary.

Some LLs just want to be kept informed rather than actually wanting you to seek their agreement ( and this a fair contract term) so check the actual wording.

They can ask you to arrange for it to be switched back at the end of your tenancy, so you would need to clarify that one before signing up to a fixed period. It's in the LL's interest anyway for a property to have the lowest costs available for utilities for future tenants too.

zebulon

Fen1 wrote: »

I have to inform the landlord before

here you go... "inform"... not get agreement, authorisation etc.

poppysarah

Gosh that sounds tedious to have to do that.

If you do change then tell them and also request if they can further insulate your home. (What sort of roof insulation etc do you have?)

DawnW

This is pretty standard in tenancy agreements to avoid tenants leaving and the LL or LA not knowing which company supplies utilities to the property, which cn be a real pain, especially if there is a possibility that money is owed to them.