Lettings & Property Management

A Question of Utilities

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As part of our service BP Connections will advise the utility companies (Gas, Electricity & Water), when meters should be read, so billing does not crossover from one tenant to another.  This usually occurs at the beginning of every letting, when there is a new tenant or when the property is empty of occupants.

Between tenant occupancy the utility fees will revert to the landlord, providing we are still acting on your behalf all accounts will be directed to our office address. If there is a lack of funds the account will be redirected to you for immediate payment.
All utilities amassed during the tenant's occupancy are entirely the tenant's responsibility and must be paid (including all standing charges) immediately. Responsibility is relinquished when the tenant vacates the property.

Telephone

British Telecom prefers dealing with the landlord directly. If you are not residing within the United Kingdom we may be able to intervene and act on your behalf, otherwise you must inform them of your intentions to keep or change the rental properties number(s).

All line reconnections and associated costs fall to the tenant. As sited in the Tenancy Agreement the property phone number can't be changed or removed without prior permission from the landlord. This is a prime example why BT prefers direct instruction.

A Question of Council Tax

Council tax payment is based on a series of considerations. For example a landlord relinquishes responsibility of payment if the entire rental property is let. Many properties, particularly ones situated near colleges or universities are let on a per room basis and the tenants may fall into a 'council tax free' bracket if they are students.
The circumstances of the rental property can affect the council tax fee, for example:

State of Property	Payment Amendments
Unfurnished and Unoccupied	50% of the council tax is payable after a six month exemption
Furnished but Unoccupied	50% payable immediately (including quiet stretches between tenants)

If the landlord resides within the rental property and continues landlord duties the landlord is then responsible for the council tax charge.

If a tenant is not exempt from council tax fee they must register and pay. This is a legal requirement which we highlight in the Tenancy Agreement.

BP Connections offer a wide range of helpful fact sheets. If you feel you could benefit please request from the following:
Fact Sheets

• Landlord insurance(legal costs, rent indemnity policies etc)
• Landlord insurance (building and contents)
• Safety Regulations (gas)
• Safety Regulations (electric)
• Safety Regulations (furniture and furnishings)
• Safety Regulations (smoke detectors)
• Council Tax
• Tax (concerning landlords and rental income)
• Tax (concerning overseas landlords and rental income)
• Housing Benefit Tenants
• Council Tax (responsibility etc)
• Security (property)
• Stamp Duty

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