How can I tell if utilities are disconnected?

Question

I'm in the process of buying a property and a couple on my shortlist are repossessions. Neither have been trashed in any way, so they look like good bargains.

The water has been drained and there are warning stickers all over the place, none of which is a problem. My main concern is whether the gas and electricity have been disconnected by the suppliers (rather than just switched off at the meter/fusebox). 

Previous experience suggests that the utility companies will not give out much information until you tell them you are definitely buying. And when mortgage lenders sell repossessions they don't know the kinds of things an occupier would so will only sell as seen, so I can't ask them.

So my question is, is there a reasonably obvious way to tell whether or not the gas or electricity have been disconnected by the supplier?

Pauline · Accepted Answer

Electric you can get reconnected with a couple of days notice (deposit may be required). All they do is pull the main fuse. A modern digital meter has a blinking LED on it. 

If the gas meter is present, then its not been disconnected. Reactivation is quick. 

If it is repossession, and then it may even be prepay metering.

mildred f · Answer

Don't think it really matters whether they are on or not before the sale.  It's when you take possession and start occupying the place that this becomes relevant.  What the utility company does or doesn't do makes little difference to you at all.  They will always ask for a deposit and then the bills start flowing after the service starts.

Can't see how a utility company would not give out information about the status of their utility. Not like they will get 100's of calls about this very thing.  I could very easily call my utility anytime, and I did before purchase, and ask what the previous owners paid them  They gave me information for a whole year every time I asked.

When I had an apt, and when I has a house, I called the utilities to ask what previous occupants had been paying.  That way, though it was not may personal habits, it gave me an idea of what I would have to pay.

bad girl · Answer

Just call the utility companies and ask when service can be restored, as if you had purchased the property, as the new owner you will have to be present when the gas service is turned on. The utility company is never, even in the UK, going to turn on the gas in an empty house.

M W · Answer

If you actually buy the property you will contact the gas/electric suppliers to order service in your name, so what difference does it make if it's been discontinued at the source or simply shut off at the property?

When you complete a sale and take possession of the property, allow for time for a total reconnect.  Assume the worst case scenario.

thewaythingsare · Answer

electric is easy; switch on at the fusebox and try a light or two, or take something you can plug in. You can bother to do that for the price of a house.

if the gas is disconnected there will be a warning label if the system is dangerous.

if either is disconnected you'd have plenty of time to sort it between exchange and completion. No problem.

? · Answer

that would count number on interior of sight rules, yet in maximum circumstances they don't would desire to serve you with a undeniable disconnect observe different than the only that informed you that the account became previous due.

Howard L · Answer

Look for a padlock where the water supply enters the meter and one on the mains.  Mildred doesn't seem to understand that you want to check if the appliances and utilities are in good working order which you can't do without power and water.  In most places it's a crime to cut the lock off but if it's not locked you can turn them on yourself.

Anonymous · Answer

Try switching it on at the fuse box/emergency shutoff. Then test a corresponding appliance or light. If they don't turn on, its been shut.

How can I tell if utilities are disconnected?

8 Answers