Moving home is an exciting time, but it also comes with important tasks you must complete. One of the most crucial is making sure your electric, gas, and water bills are properly sorted out. This guide will help you understand your responsibilities and the steps you need to take to finalise your utility accounts correctly. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth move and avoid any unexpected problems later on.
Why It’s Important to Sort Out Your Final Bills
Dealing with your final utility bills might seem like a small detail, but it has big consequences if not handled correctly. It protects you and makes your move much easier.
Your Responsibility When Moving House
When you live in a property, you are responsible for paying for the electricity, gas, and water you use. This responsibility continues until you officially move out and hand over the property. It is your duty to tell your utility companies when you are leaving and to provide them with the necessary information to close your account. Doing this ensures you only pay for what you have used, and not for any energy or water consumed by the next person who lives there.
How to Avoid Problems Later On
Not sorting out your final bills can lead to several difficulties. You might receive bills for energy or water you didn’t use, or even face debt collection if payments are missed. This can harm your financial standing and make it harder to set up new accounts in your new home. By taking care of your final bills properly, you gain peace of mind and avoid any stressful situations or unexpected costs in the future.
Steps to Take Before You Leave Your Home
To make sure everything goes smoothly, there are several key actions you should take before your moving day. Planning ahead will save you time and worry.
Telling Your Energy and Water Companies
It is very important to tell your energy (electricity and gas) and water companies that you are moving. You should aim to do this about two to four weeks before your moving date. When you contact them, you will need to provide:
- Your account number.
- Your moving date.
- Your new address, so they can send your final bill.
- The final meter readings (which you will take on moving day).
You can usually contact your utility companies by phone, through their website, or sometimes by sending a letter.
How to Take Your Final Meter Readings
Taking a final meter reading is essential. It tells your utility company exactly how much energy or water you used up to your moving day. You should take these readings on the day you move out, just before you leave the property for good.
- Electricity and Gas Meters: Most modern meters show a digital display. Simply write down the numbers you see. For older dial meters, you might need to read the numbers on each dial.
- Water Meters: Water meters usually have a series of numbers that show your usage.
Make sure to take a clear photograph of each meter showing the reading and the date. This will be your proof if there are any questions later.
What If You Can’t Read Your Meter?
Sometimes, meters can be difficult to find or read. If you cannot get a clear reading, you should contact your utility company immediately. They might be able to guide you over the phone or arrange for someone to help. If no reading is provided, your company might estimate your final usage, which could mean you pay too much or too little. It is always best to provide an actual reading if you can.
Getting Your Last Bill Sent to You
Always provide your utility companies with your new address. This ensures your final bill, and any refund you might be due, is sent directly to you. If they do not have your new address, your bill could be sent to your old home, causing delays or even leading to debt collection notices if it is not paid.
What to Look For on Your Final Bill
Once you receive your final bill, it is important to check it carefully to make sure everything is correct.
Checking Your Meter Readings Are Right
Compare the meter readings shown on your final bill with the readings you took and photographed on your moving day. If there is a difference, contact your utility company straight away. Having your photographs will be very helpful in proving your actual usage.
Making Sure Dates and Costs Match Up
Look at the dates the bill covers. It should only charge you for usage up to your moving date. Also, check that the prices per unit of energy or water (the “unit rate”) and any daily standing charges are correct according to your last agreement with the company. If anything looks wrong, question it.
Understanding the Different Parts of Your Bill
Your bill will usually show:
- Your account details: Your name, address, and account number.
- Supply dates: The period the bill covers.
- Meter readings: Your previous and final readings, and the total amount used.
- Unit rate: How much you are charged for each unit of electricity, gas, or water.
- Standing charge: A fixed daily or monthly charge, regardless of how much you use.
- Total amount due: The final amount you need to pay, or a refund you are owed.
How to Settle Your Last Bill
Paying your final bill correctly and on time is the last step in closing your account.
Accepted Ways to Pay Your Bill
Most utility companies offer several ways to pay:
- Direct Debit: If you had one set up, it might automatically take the final payment.
- Bank Transfer: You can usually pay directly from your bank account using the details provided on the bill.
- Debit Card: You can often pay online or over the phone using your debit card.
Always make sure you are using the official payment methods of your utility company.
Paying Before the Deadline
Every bill will have a payment due date. It is very important to pay your final bill before this deadline. Paying on time avoids any late payment charges and ensures your account is closed without any issues.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay
If you do not pay your final bill by the due date, your utility company will likely send you reminders. If the bill remains unpaid, they might add late payment fees, pass your debt to a collection agency, or even take legal action. This can negatively affect your financial history, making it harder to get credit or set up new utility accounts in the future.
What to Do If There’s a Mistake or Problem
Even with careful planning, sometimes mistakes happen. Knowing how to deal with them is important.
How to Talk to Your Utility Company
If you spot a mistake on your bill, or if you have any questions, contact your utility company immediately. Gather all your relevant information, such as your account number, meter readings, and photographs, before you call or write. Explain the problem clearly and politely.
Keeping a Record of All Your Messages
It is very important to keep a record of all your communications with the utility company. This includes:
- The date and time of phone calls.
- The name of the person you spoke to.
- Copies of emails or letters you sent and received.
- Any reference numbers given for your complaint or query.
This record acts as proof and can be invaluable if the problem is not resolved quickly.
Where to Get Extra Help
If you cannot resolve the issue directly with your utility company, there are independent organisations that can offer advice and support. These services can help you understand your rights and guide you through the complaints process. If a complaint remains unresolved after a certain period, you might be able to take your case to an independent ombudsman service, which can make a fair decision.
Keeping Your Important Papers Safe
Once everything is settled, it is still a good idea to keep your final utility documents.
Why You Should Keep Old Bills
Keeping your final bills and any related correspondence is a good practice. They serve as proof that you have paid your accounts in full and that you no longer owe money for that property. This can be helpful if any questions arise later, or if you need to prove your address for other purposes.
How Long to Store Your Records
It is generally recommended to keep important financial documents, including utility bills, for at least six years. This period allows you to address any potential disputes or queries that might come up well after you have moved. You can store these records physically in a safe place or keep digital copies securely on your computer or in cloud storage.
Author
