Updating post from Reddit.
Hi all. I’ve just purchased a property and I am due to complete on this property on Friday. I already have tenants lined up to move into the property however some work needs doing prior to this.
I estimate the house will be without tenants for around a month, possibly over.
As this is my first rental property I don’t know how to go about setting up payment of utility bills for this interim period… I don’t want to contact an energy supplier and get tied into a contract with them when it will be my tenants responsibility to pay his utilities once he’s moved in, and he may not wish to be with a supplier I have chosen.
How do I go about paying this interim period? Will I have to do this with the previous suppliers or do energy companies work slightly differently for landlords/rental properties?
Provide a meter reading to current supplier. Advise you are the landlord and it’s a temporary situation. Get tenants to update them once they move in. You can also contact them yourself and send a copy of the tenancy agreement.
The interim rates will be a bit higher, but as you aren’t living there, it shouldn’t cost too much. Depending on the work needed etc.
Get meter reading on completion as per normal when purchasing property. You will receive letters from the relevant companies in a few days. Explain situation and pay as they ask. Also check your council tax, some offer 1 month or more free council tax when renovating.