Moving house is a process that takes a lot of time and effort preparing for. It can be a stressful task to undergo, especially when sorting out your energy bills and council tax.
With household bills and council tax rising for homeowners across the UK amid the cost of living crisis, it's important to know what to do with them ahead of moving house, to avoid any unwanted charges.
Moving experts at Lovespace have provided their top tips to help those who are moving homes to sort out their energy bills and council tax to allow for a smooth and hassle-free transition.
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According to the experts there are four important steps you should take between leaving a property and moving into a new one, such as taking meter readings, communicating with suppliers and researching the correct tariffs.
Failing to complete these processes properly can land homeowners in hot water with possible financial penalties, which is the last thing that homeowners will want to face in the current climate.
Contact your current energy provider
Before leaving your current home, it is advised to call your current energy provider in good time to allow for a smooth process.
"Inform the company that you will be leaving and provide them with the new home address. This will provide them with a place to send a final bill," said a spokesperson for Lovespace.
"This bill should detail if there are any outstanding payments to be made or if your account is in credit. Every provider will have a different process at this stage. For example, if you are on a fixed tariff there may be an exit fee to pay.
"Some providers may even allow you to take the same tariff to your new property. It’s best to check with the provider by calling or going on their website to double check this information."
Submit a final meter reading
Once initial contact has been made with the provider, it is likely that they will ask you to give them a final meter reading.
"Again, this will vary from property to property but usually this will need to be submitted on the day you move out of the property," said Lovespace.
"If you do not remember to do this, you could be subject to charges from the person moving in next or from a daily standing charge even if the property is empty. Taking a picture of the meter is the best way to cover yourself in this scenario.
"If your house has a water meter, this means you are not charged on the rateable value of your property but on how much you use. The same process will apply here, so even if you’re moving into a property without a meter you will still need to inform the provider of the move."
Set up in your new house
Once you arrive at your new home, it’s important to work out the current set-up in the house.
"In some instances, the electricity, water and gas may need to be reactivated by the supplier before they can be used," said Lovespace.
"Locating the meter can be difficult, especially in older properties where it can be lurking in unsuspecting spots. If you’re struggling to find the energy meter, try looking under the stair or sink, in the cupboard, garage or outside in a meter box.
"If you still can’t find the meter and you’re in a new build it is possible that one hasn’t been installed yet. When you contact the new energy/water provider, this may be a service that they can provide for you."
Once found you will need to take a meter reading and submit this to the current energy supplier.
"You can find out who the supplier is by asking the landlord/letting agent, checking for an old bill or by contacting the Distribution Network Operator," the moving experts added.
"Once this is complete it’s time to find a new provider. For this you’ll need your postcode, the name of your current supplier, the name of your current energy/water tariff and your annual energy/water usage or costs.
"To help weigh up the different options try using a comparison site to give you the best deal that works for you.
"Having a water meter is not essential and it is at the homeowners discretion whether one is installed. Unmetered customers will be charged a fixed amount, which may or may not include sewage charges. These are all things that can be discussed with your new provider, who will tell you the most suitable option."
Sort out your new council tax
It’s important to update your local council when changing addresses. This will stop you from being overcharged on your council tax bill or being subject to a financial penalty.
"Before sending you your final bill, it is likely that the council will ask for your new address, your old address and the date you are leaving, the name of the new owner or tenant of your old address and the name and address of the solicitor dealing with the sale, Lovespace explained.
"Once you leave the current address the local council will likely send the final bill as a one off payment. After this, the new property will be billed annually. If you’re staying within the same postcode the local authority may allow you to continue on the same direct debit arrangement.
"It’s important to be aware that councils can charge an empty property tax if a property is left empty or unfurnished. This is to encourage homeowners to not leave their properties empty for extended periods of time."
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