Gas, Electricity & Water

The gas, electricity and water companies etc should be advised whenever the property is empty so that meters can be read, accounts prepared etc, even if this will not be for a relatively short period of time. We will do this for you on the initial letting and also each time there is a change of tenancy agreement or the property is to be empty for some other reason.

During those 'void' periods the utility services will be transferred back into your name but, assuming we are still under your instructions, will be made care of our office address. Normally we will be carrying forward some small sum of your rental account in respect of emergency maintenance etc but if for some reason at the time we did not hold any funds then of course we would send the bills to you for settlement direct.

The tenant is obviously responsible for the gas, electricity and water/sewerage bills generated by their usage during tenancy. Clearly their liabilities in this respect finish on the day of they vacate the property.

Telephone

Generally speaking telephone companies will not deal with third parties, though if you are to be residing abroad we may be able to assist. Otherwise you must inform the service provider that you are leaving the property and advise them what you want to do with your existing number.

The tenants are responsible for any line reconnections and meeting any costs associated with this. The tenancy agreement will forbid tenants from changing an existing number without your consent or indeed taking it with them at the end of the tenancy, however preventing this possibility yourself by giving the provider clear instructions in respect of a specific number is by far the best safeguard.