Choice Utility's ABC for your business
Choice Utility's ABC for your business
Choice Utility's ABC for your business
Our experts share essential knowledge on your business utility needs.
Our experts share essential knowledge on your business utility needs.
Our experts share essential knowledge on your business utility needs.
What is a Change of Tenancy? (COT)
What is a Change of Tenancy? (COT)
5th September 2023
5th September 2023
In the UK, changing the tenancy for power contracts typically occurs when there is a transition of responsibility for utility accounts from one tenant or occupant to another within the same property. This process is essential to ensure that the electricity and/or gas supply continues without interruption and that billing responsibility is transferred correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how the change of tenancy for power contracts works:
In the UK, changing the tenancy for power contracts typically occurs when there is a transition of responsibility for utility accounts from one tenant or occupant to another within the same property. This process is essential to ensure that the electricity and/or gas supply continues without interruption and that billing responsibility is transferred correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how the change of tenancy for power contracts works:
In the UK, changing the tenancy for power contracts typically occurs when there is a transition of responsibility for utility accounts from one tenant or occupant to another within the same property. This process is essential to ensure that the electricity and/or gas supply continues without interruption and that billing responsibility is transferred correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how the change of tenancy for power contracts works:
The process behind arranging a change of tenancy
The process behind arranging a change of tenancy
1. Notify the Utility Provider:
The outgoing tenant or occupant should contact the utility provider (e.g., the electricity or gas company) as early as possible to inform them about the change in tenancy. This notification can usually be done through the utility provider's customer service hotline or online portal.
2. Gather Necessary Information:
The outgoing tenant will need to provide specific details to the utility provider, including the property's address, the date of the changeover, their account number, and the contact information for the incoming tenant or landlord.
3. Meter Readings:
It's important to take meter readings on the day of the changeover. Both the outgoing and incoming tenants should verify and record these readings independently to ensure accurate billing.
4. Settle Outstanding Bills:
The outgoing tenant is responsible for paying any outstanding bills up to the date of the changeover. This includes any unpaid electricity or gas usage charges.
5. Provide Contact Information:
The outgoing tenant should provide the utility provider with the contact details of the incoming tenant or landlord. This is crucial for setting up the new account.
6. New Tenancy Agreement:
The incoming tenant or landlord should have a copy of the new tenancy agreement or lease that outlines the start date of the tenancy. This document may be required by the utility provider.
7. Arrange the New Contract:
The incoming tenant or landlord should contact the utility provider to arrange a new contract for the property. This involves providing their personal and billing information, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and selecting a tariff or plan that suits their needs.
8. Meter Registration:
The utility provider will update its records to reflect the change in tenancy and the new account holder. This ensures that bills are sent to the correct recipient.
9. Final Billing and Account Closure:
The utility provider will issue a final bill to the outgoing tenant, which should be paid promptly. Once all outstanding balances are settled, the outgoing tenant's account will be closed.
10. Confirmation and Welcome Information:
The incoming tenant or landlord will receive confirmation of the new utility contract and may receive welcome information explaining payment methods, account management, and contact details for customer support.
1. Notify the Utility Provider:
The outgoing tenant or occupant should contact the utility provider (e.g., the electricity or gas company) as early as possible to inform them about the change in tenancy. This notification can usually be done through the utility provider's customer service hotline or online portal.
2. Gather Necessary Information:
The outgoing tenant will need to provide specific details to the utility provider, including the property's address, the date of the changeover, their account number, and the contact information for the incoming tenant or landlord.
3. Meter Readings:
It's important to take meter readings on the day of the changeover. Both the outgoing and incoming tenants should verify and record these readings independently to ensure accurate billing.
4. Settle Outstanding Bills:
The outgoing tenant is responsible for paying any outstanding bills up to the date of the changeover. This includes any unpaid electricity or gas usage charges.
5. Provide Contact Information:
The outgoing tenant should provide the utility provider with the contact details of the incoming tenant or landlord. This is crucial for setting up the new account.
6. New Tenancy Agreement:
The incoming tenant or landlord should have a copy of the new tenancy agreement or lease that outlines the start date of the tenancy. This document may be required by the utility provider.
7. Arrange the New Contract:
The incoming tenant or landlord should contact the utility provider to arrange a new contract for the property. This involves providing their personal and billing information, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and selecting a tariff or plan that suits their needs.
8. Meter Registration:
The utility provider will update its records to reflect the change in tenancy and the new account holder. This ensures that bills are sent to the correct recipient.
9. Final Billing and Account Closure:
The utility provider will issue a final bill to the outgoing tenant, which should be paid promptly. Once all outstanding balances are settled, the outgoing tenant's account will be closed.
10. Confirmation and Welcome Information:
The incoming tenant or landlord will receive confirmation of the new utility contract and may receive welcome information explaining payment methods, account management, and contact details for customer support.