Change of Tenancy

A change of tenancy for energy supplies refers to the process of updating the electricity and/or gas account details with the utility provider when the occupant of a property changes. This can happen when a business moves into a new premises, a homeowner sells their property, or when a tenant moves in or out of a rental property. It ensures that the correct person or organization is billed for the energy used during their time of occupancy.

Here’s how the process generally works:

Steps in a Change of Tenancy for Energy Supplies

Notifying the Energy Supplier

When a change of tenancy occurs, the outgoing occupant (or the landlord/owner) must notify the energy supplier that they are moving out, and the incoming occupant must inform the supplier that they are moving in.
This can usually be done over the phone, online, or by email.
If the new occupant does not notify the supplier, they may be automatically placed on a “deemed contract” with the existing energy provider, often at a higher tariff.

Final Meter Reading (for the Outgoing Occupant)

The outgoing tenant or property owner must take a final meter reading for both electricity and gas on the day they move out. This ensures that they are only billed for the energy they consumed while living or working in the property.
They should also provide the final meter reading to the supplier and keep a record for themselves, in case of any future billing disputes.

Start Meter Reading (for the Incoming Occupant)

The incoming occupant should take their own meter reading when they move in. This reading serves as the starting point for their energy billing.
Providing this reading to the supplier ensures they aren’t charged for any energy used before they took possession of the property.

Closing and Opening of Accounts

The outgoing occupant’s account will be closed based on the final meter reading, and they will receive a final bill. Once this bill is paid, their contractual obligations with the energy supplier end.
The incoming occupant will either continue with the same supplier or choose a new supplier. Their account will be set up based on the start meter reading, and they can select a tariff that suits their needs.

Choosing a New Energy Supplier (if desired)

The new tenant or owner is not required to stay with the same energy supplier as the previous occupant. Once they have moved in, they are free to switch suppliers if they find a better deal or prefer a different company.
It’s often a good idea for the new occupant to check the rates they are being charged upon moving in, as deemed contracts are usually more expensive than regular tariffs.

Why It’s Important

Accurate Billing

Ensuring the energy supplier is notified about the change of tenancy helps avoid disputes or billing errors. Both the outgoing and incoming occupants are only charged for the energy they used.

Legal Responsibility

The correct tenant or owner becomes legally responsible for the energy consumption from the time they take occupancy.

Supplier Communication

If the energy provider isn’t informed of a change, the new occupant could inherit a less favourable tariff or even face disconnection due to unpaid bills from the previous occupant.

Documents and Information Typically Required

Full name and contact details of both the outgoing and incoming tenants or owners.
Property address.
Move-in and move-out dates.
Final and start meter readings for both electricity and gas.
Forwarding address for the outgoing tenant, in case of any follow-up regarding final bills.

A change of tenancy for energy supplies is essentially a necessary administrative step that helps manage the transfer of responsibility for energy consumption and billing from one occupant to another, ensuring transparency and accurate records for both parties.

To find out more about change of tenancy, please get in touch with us today on +44(0)330 221 6565, WhatsApp us on +44 (0)793 915 5199 or email info@connectus-utilities.co.uk.

Get ahead of the game...

…with your utility connections – get in touch with us via WhatsApp today.