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Your moving checklist
- Tell your current supplier you are moving, giving at least 48 hours' notice, and leave a forwarding address (Citizens Advice).
- Photograph every meter on moving day, at both homes, with the date visible.
- Find your new home's supplier: ask the seller or landlord, or use the official "find my supplier" services for gas and electricity.
- Tell that supplier you have moved in and send your readings. Until you choose, you will be on a "deemed contract", usually its standard variable tariff.
- Choose a tariff. You can switch tariff or supplier once you are responsible for the property. A new supplier should switch you within 5 working days.
- Check your final bill from the old home arrives within 6 weeks.
- Check your first bill in the new home starts from your moving-day readings.
If you're moving out
Send your supplier your readings and keep a note of them. If your smart meter is not working in smart mode, take a final reading yourself, and leave the in-home display for the next people. Your final bill should arrive within 6 weeks and you then have 28 days to pay it. If you are in credit, the refund is due within 10 working days of the final bill. If either is late, you may be owed compensation (see energy compensation).
If you're moving in
A deemed contract is a default, so check the rates before your first bill. Once you know who supplies the home, you can join its Priority Services Register if you are of state pension age, disabled or have a long-term illness.
Fixed deals and prepayment meters
- Fixed deal: leaving early may mean an exit fee. Ask your supplier whether you can keep the same deal at the new address. If you end it, you will move to a standard variable tariff at the new home.
- Prepayment meter: contact the supplier before topping up. Ask it to clear any debt left by the previous occupants and send a new key or card. You can ask to switch to a smart meter in credit mode, which usually needs a credit check.
Common moving-home problems
- Bills for the previous occupant's use (your dated photos fix this)
- Being billed for the wrong meter
- A prepayment meter you didn't choose
- A final bill based on estimates because no closing reading was sent
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give my supplier?
Citizens Advice says to give at least 48 hours' notice that you are moving out.
What is a deemed contract?
It is the default contract you are put on when you move in and don't choose a tariff. It is usually the supplier's standard variable tariff. You can switch once you are responsible for the property.
When should my final bill arrive?
Within 6 weeks. If you are in credit, the refund is due within 10 working days of the final bill. Late payments may entitle you to compensation.
Can I take my fixed deal with me?
Ask your supplier. If you end the deal early you may pay an exit fee, and you will move to a standard variable tariff at your new home.
I inherited a prepayment meter. What can I do?
Contact the supplier before you top up. Ask it to remove previous debt and send a new key or card. You can ask to switch to a credit meter, which usually needs a credit check.