So you’re moving home and you’ve started to make a to-do list of all the things you need to do before the big move day. Packing, decluttering, finding a moving team, preparing your new house – it’s all on the list.
But what about your utilities? How do you transfer your bills and make sure you don’t pay bills for your old apartment once you move? If you’re not sure how to transfer your utilities when moving, this post will show you how.
Not sure what you need to add to your to-do list? Here’s everything you need to include on your moving checklist.
Revert to Owner Agreement: What is it?
This is the most common way to handle your utilities when you move out. Also known as the Landlord Interim Billing Agreement, your utilities will automatically revert to your landlord when you move out and they will pay it until they have prospective tenants move in.
For this to work, the landlord needs to sign up for the utilities first, and then they make the tenant responsible for paying the bills while they occupy the property.
Once the tenant tells the company they are leaving, the bills will revert back to the landlord’s account.
Information about the utility arrangement should be in your lease agreement, so you know what the tenant’s responsibility is.
Benefits of Revert to Owner Agreements
There’s a reason this landlord agreement is generally the most popular way of dealing with bills in a rented property. It has some key benefits:
- Landlords don’t need to worry about disconnected utilities – if the tenant cancels, it automatically reverts back to them.
- It’s easy to call up the utilities and get taken off the account, making it a convenient option.
- Landlords usually consolidate their properties under one utility company, so it’s convenient for them, too.
- It offers extra security and a safety net being in a utilities contract with a landlord for both the landlord and the tenant.
- It means landlords are more likely to handle utility problems quickly because theirs is the name on the account.
If you’re moving into a rental property, a Revert to Owner Agreement is a great option for paying utilities, especially if you have any worries about finding utility providers.
If you’re unsure if your new property has a Revert to Owner Agreement in place, ask your new landlord ahead of time so you can be prepared – they’ll be able to tell you which company you’re with and the monthly payments.
How to Transfer Utilities Back to Landlord
If you’re in a Revert to Owner Agreement and you need to revert now you’re moving, it’s an easy process.
It will go much smoother if you get all the information ready ahead of time. So here’s what you need to do:
Make a list of utility services
Make a list of all the services you’ll need to take your name off. The usual suspects include:
- Water
- Gas service & electric service
- Phone & WiFi
- TV services & subscriptions
Gather all the details about your utility services
Make sure you know the company, your account details, the payment details, etc. So when you call the companies it’s a much quicker and smoother process.
Your account information will be on your monthly statement if you don’t know it off the top of your head. Or your landlord will be able to give you the details if you can’t find your bills.
Contact your utilities providers
Call up your utility companies and let them know you’re moving and want to do a utility transfer. They’ll make a note of your moving date and want meter readings from you on the day you move.
If you’re moving house for the first time, they will probably also ask you if you want to stick with them in your new place. You’ll be able to give them your new address and they’ll handle the process of getting your utilities up and running when you move in.
Take meter readings with your landlord
For your electricity, gas, and water bills, you’ll need final meter readings. This will let the company know where they should stop billing you and start billing your landlord.
Call up your landlord and tell them you’d like to take the meter readings with them present on the day you move. This will avoid tenancy arguments concerning overdue payments or dates.
Let us help you with your move
Moving home is a stressful time. From canceling your utilities to packing up all your belongings and making preparations for your new home, the to-do list can seem never-ending.
As a professional moving company, we’ve perfected the moving process and know how to make it go smoothly. If you’re worried about packing, check out this post on our top packing tips most people don’t know.
