What to do with utilities when moving?
Feb 19th 2019 | 5:49 am
#1
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From: Viana do Castelo
What to do with utilities when moving?
We are relocating to the UK next month and I have no idea what to do with EDP and my water account. We will need these until the day we move. All my bills have been estimates for some months.
What would be the procedure?
What would be the procedure?
Feb 20th 2019 | 3:21 am
#2
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From: Colchester,Essex, England & Sao Bras De Alportel
Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
We have just sold our property on 5th Feb. EDP and water readings were given to our lawyer a couple of days before the Final deed was signed as we are in the UK and the house was empty. I also gave our lawyer a copy of an EDP bill, plus water bill and house insurance. After the final deed was completed our lawyer said all had been given to new buyers and their lawyer was helping them set up their accounts. Within a few days EDP emailed me (literally 3 days) informing me of our final bill and when it would be taken.The same has happened for the house insurance, our lawyer sorted this and a refund is already in our account. The only one now is the water and when I asked I was told that would be taken when it normally was, in our case end of the month. So i am just waiting until the end of the month to check that happens. If it does I will be so impressed all seemed to go very smoothly
Feb 20th 2019 | 5:18 am
#3
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From: Viana do Castelo
Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
We were renting long term and the landlord will be moving in for a few days to get it ready for the next tenant as soon as we move out. That's all we could communicate via Google translate when she came to get the spare keys. She is old and does not have an email address so I cannot contact her now about this. I would have liked to have discussed the repayment of the deposit as well but I think I will just withhold rent payment for next month. The flat was semi furnished and had no pots, pans, cutlery and crockery or ornaments and curtains. We will leave it fully furnished and equipped so she will score big time.
Feb 20th 2019 | 7:35 am
#4
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Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
I was surprised when we got an insurance refund. You wouldn’t get that in the uk.
Feb 20th 2019 | 10:13 pm
#5
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Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
When we sold our house in the Algarve, we left the meter reading with the new owners on the day we moved out. With regard to the water, once we'd signed the final deed, we all went to the water place in Olhao, gave them the reading and the new owners took over immediately. Otherwise, they would have had to have a new meter fitted, which would have cost them.
Feb 21st 2019 | 1:25 am
#7
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From: Viana do Castelo
Feb 22nd 2019 | 8:50 pm
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Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
Looking at this from the other side.....
We are now the proud owners of a house just 3/4 kms south of the Tejo(Santarem district).
The previous owner advised EDP and the water company that we were occupying that Friday( he gave them 5 working (days notice..and as regards EDP this is by the letter. Perhaps we were a little naive thinking things would go as per UK.... straightforward transfer. We duly arrived and were about to go and sign on for water and electric to find someone outside fiddling with the electric meter who told us he was cutting the electric and it wasn't his job to contact EDP for us. We then went back into the house to find no water. High tailed it down to local offices.Only to find the water closed at 16.00(website said 18.00) and EDP signed us up and then told us the news that they had 5 working days to put the electric back on and my goodness did they stick to that rule. One week after, we had our first taste of electric.,despite the fact that we are obviously of a pensionable age and I had my walking stick. Goodness knows what they would do for someone with small children or the really elderly.
The water board on the other hand couldn't have been more helpful (and knowledgable) and had our water on by lunch Monday.
P.S So does anyone know a better supplier than EDP?
We are now the proud owners of a house just 3/4 kms south of the Tejo(Santarem district).
The previous owner advised EDP and the water company that we were occupying that Friday( he gave them 5 working (days notice..and as regards EDP this is by the letter. Perhaps we were a little naive thinking things would go as per UK.... straightforward transfer. We duly arrived and were about to go and sign on for water and electric to find someone outside fiddling with the electric meter who told us he was cutting the electric and it wasn't his job to contact EDP for us. We then went back into the house to find no water. High tailed it down to local offices.Only to find the water closed at 16.00(website said 18.00) and EDP signed us up and then told us the news that they had 5 working days to put the electric back on and my goodness did they stick to that rule. One week after, we had our first taste of electric.,despite the fact that we are obviously of a pensionable age and I had my walking stick. Goodness knows what they would do for someone with small children or the really elderly.
The water board on the other hand couldn't have been more helpful (and knowledgable) and had our water on by lunch Monday.
P.S So does anyone know a better supplier than EDP?
Feb 22nd 2019 | 9:34 pm
#9
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From: Viana do Castelo
Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
We had the same problem when we first came to Portugal. A few days with no water, electricity or gas. I went looking for a tap down the roads to fill a 15 gallon bucket for washing and flushing the toilet. Found many taps but all the handles were removed.
I eventually found one in a block of flats that I used for a day or two until 3 big mamas caught me and chased me down the street shouting something something about "policia". Had to abandon the bucket and buy a new one as it was not mine.
I eventually found one in a block of flats that I used for a day or two until 3 big mamas caught me and chased me down the street shouting something something about "policia". Had to abandon the bucket and buy a new one as it was not mine.
Feb 23rd 2019 | 6:45 am
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Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
Toots sweet - we have always found Edp brilliant to work with. Maybe it was just an isolated poor experience; I would suggest sticking with them for now, but others may think differently.
Ukkram - good luck to you both for the move. I don’t know if you intend to rent in the UK but if so, a word to, or from, the wise - as UK landlords ourselves, we can tell you that you try a stunt like that at end of tenancy, withholding rent in lieu of deposit and leaving your personal effects for the landlord to clear out (believe me, if they didn’t want to provide them, then they don’t want responsibility for them) you will not be met with a relaxed attitude. The deposit is there in case of dilapidations, and that will not be for you to decide but an independent authority. If rent arrears and/or dilapidations, including the professional cost of removing your items from the property, exceeds the deposit, in the UK a landlord will go to small claims, they will be bothered.
As for stealing from neighbours’ utility services, well you really know how to make friends and influence people, don’t ya fella. If you ignore every other bit of advice, believe me, do not try this one in the UK. Really do not. Good luck again...I’ve a feeling you might need it...í ½í¸
Ukkram - good luck to you both for the move. I don’t know if you intend to rent in the UK but if so, a word to, or from, the wise - as UK landlords ourselves, we can tell you that you try a stunt like that at end of tenancy, withholding rent in lieu of deposit and leaving your personal effects for the landlord to clear out (believe me, if they didn’t want to provide them, then they don’t want responsibility for them) you will not be met with a relaxed attitude. The deposit is there in case of dilapidations, and that will not be for you to decide but an independent authority. If rent arrears and/or dilapidations, including the professional cost of removing your items from the property, exceeds the deposit, in the UK a landlord will go to small claims, they will be bothered.
As for stealing from neighbours’ utility services, well you really know how to make friends and influence people, don’t ya fella. If you ignore every other bit of advice, believe me, do not try this one in the UK. Really do not. Good luck again...I’ve a feeling you might need it...í ½í¸
Feb 23rd 2019 | 7:54 am
#11
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From: Viana do Castelo
Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
I must say Mac and Mabel. The landlord is quite fine with me leaving behind a 32" LED TV with the TV box, Router etc. Plus a €90 carpet. Plus curtains for all the rooms. Plus a kettle and toaster. Plus crockery and cutlery. Plus beside lamps. Plus a WiFi printer. Plus many ornaments.
This was a semi furnished flat but is now fully furnished. The items I listed above is what we will perhaps leave here. Do you really think the landlord will be offended? I really do not think so. We have spoken to her and she is happy with it. She can now rent it out fully furnished.
What would you have done in PT if you had no water to flush your toilet? I'm sure you would have done the same so don't condemn me.
We have bought a home in the Cotswold. Cirencester if you need to know.
This was a semi furnished flat but is now fully furnished. The items I listed above is what we will perhaps leave here. Do you really think the landlord will be offended? I really do not think so. We have spoken to her and she is happy with it. She can now rent it out fully furnished.
What would you have done in PT if you had no water to flush your toilet? I'm sure you would have done the same so don't condemn me.
We have bought a home in the Cotswold. Cirencester if you need to know.
Feb 23rd 2019 | 8:50 am
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Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
A lovely place, we know it well. Then you will be safe from making any rental faux-pas. I realise you think it’s a treasure chest of goodies to a landlord, and maybe it is to yours (you didn’t say this had been mutually agreed via Google translate, in fact you inferred it hadn’t). Either way, my advice to you was re the UK. We are left every Summer with students items, some really good, new electronics stuff, tell me about it. But if we didn’t provide it originally, it’s because we made a business decision not to, not wanting to take on future responsibility for replacing these items when they become a part of the next lease, not wanting to have to meet regular safety check requirements etc etc, on items that are not necessary and likely not wanted. Now, if we’re around and can get them to a charity shop ourselves without incurring much cost, we’ll let them off, they are after all not long out of childhood. But if one of our residential tenants tried it, and apparently just to save themselves the effort (bear in mind it’s written in their tenancy agreement, as it will be for your UK sellers) and especially if they’d been a cheeky blighter, we would not be so charitable. Luckily, no-one has, probably because they know the system, and I was giving you the benefit of that knowledge. Hey, the next tenant for sure’s bringing their own even more bling TV and will not be rehoming it to leave room for yours. You’re not renting though, so all will be well there.
Re the water...I’m flabbergasted you think stealing was the only option available to you. You didn’t fancy buying those 5 or 6 litre cheap bottles of own brand basic spring water that every supermarket and small grocer sells for around 60c max a pop? The obvious thing to you was let neighbours pay for you. Jeez...hold on to your hats, Britannia. Ukkram, I hope you can integrate well there, and that way around. Even the Cotswolds are only gentile because we all know how things can go when one pushes their luck. You will not be a big fish in a little, gentle pond. And don’t you go stealing from that pond, eh í ½í¸€
Re the water...I’m flabbergasted you think stealing was the only option available to you. You didn’t fancy buying those 5 or 6 litre cheap bottles of own brand basic spring water that every supermarket and small grocer sells for around 60c max a pop? The obvious thing to you was let neighbours pay for you. Jeez...hold on to your hats, Britannia. Ukkram, I hope you can integrate well there, and that way around. Even the Cotswolds are only gentile because we all know how things can go when one pushes their luck. You will not be a big fish in a little, gentle pond. And don’t you go stealing from that pond, eh í ½í¸€
Feb 23rd 2019 | 9:07 am
#13
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From: Viana do Castelo
Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
I don't know why I am so disturbing to you but we were new here in PT and had no idea that 20 litres of water was available in a single bottle for toilet flushing. Damn. I should have asked here about it. Shoot.
Feb 25th 2019 | 7:46 am
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From: Scotland, Praia da Luz Portugal
Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
Just over 1 year ago we sold our house. We took copies of all bills and meter readings to our solicitor. At the notary these were asked for and produced. All appeared to go well until , back in UK, I discovered a couple of months later that water, electricity and Meo were still taking money out of my account. Despite contacting my solicitor the only way I stopped it was by emptying my bank account. I would advise anyone who is returning to UK to empty their bank account first
Last edited by brodev; Feb 25th 2019 at 7:52 am.
Mar 5th 2019 | 3:10 pm
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Re: What to do with utilities when moving?
Cut off but still charged for the meter.
Have been building a house for the last 13 months.
Construction license was for 12 months and during that time, builder insisted that I had 20kw 3 phase connection. I had quired why he needed that much power and he said some equipment needed that amount. SO I went along with that even knowing that the daily charge would be well over a euro.
The building has taken much longer than even I allowed for and as such the license expired in January.
Being aware that EDP would only supply electricity with either a current building license or an electrical inspection certificate, I applied for an extension to the build early end December as no inspection cert. was available.
Without any warning (no letter, email phone call) the electricity was cut off on 17th January.
The extension to the build took until 18th February to come through. (so 2 months with no electrics)
So I took it to EDP office to get reconnected. All OK, and it took a further week to get turned back on, that was last Monday..25th Feb
But this time I asked to only have 10kw power and so a new meter will need fitting (monofasic), as 20kw is not needed nor ever was (one year bill of e510, of which e450 was for the meter and other crap).
Yesterday was a bit surprised top receive another invoice for e44 for January/feb, when I had no electricity. The sum of e45 being meter and estimate of electricity used.
So went to EDP office to ask why I have this invoice when they cut it off in January, when my construction license and I assumed their contract expired.
Their reply !!!
You still have a contract with us. SO why did I need to sign a new contract for continuation? You didn`t, yes I did I have it here.
But I have no electricity, you cut it off.
Upshot is that as far as EDP is concerned, it was down to me to advise them that I did not want electricity !!!!
So as I did not I must continue to pay for the meter as e1.25 a day until the new meter is fitted when the cost reduces to something like e0.55 a day.
Is this robbery or what.
Have been building a house for the last 13 months.
Construction license was for 12 months and during that time, builder insisted that I had 20kw 3 phase connection. I had quired why he needed that much power and he said some equipment needed that amount. SO I went along with that even knowing that the daily charge would be well over a euro.
The building has taken much longer than even I allowed for and as such the license expired in January.
Being aware that EDP would only supply electricity with either a current building license or an electrical inspection certificate, I applied for an extension to the build early end December as no inspection cert. was available.
Without any warning (no letter, email phone call) the electricity was cut off on 17th January.
The extension to the build took until 18th February to come through. (so 2 months with no electrics)
So I took it to EDP office to get reconnected. All OK, and it took a further week to get turned back on, that was last Monday..25th Feb
But this time I asked to only have 10kw power and so a new meter will need fitting (monofasic), as 20kw is not needed nor ever was (one year bill of e510, of which e450 was for the meter and other crap).
Yesterday was a bit surprised top receive another invoice for e44 for January/feb, when I had no electricity. The sum of e45 being meter and estimate of electricity used.
So went to EDP office to ask why I have this invoice when they cut it off in January, when my construction license and I assumed their contract expired.
Their reply !!!
You still have a contract with us. SO why did I need to sign a new contract for continuation? You didn`t, yes I did I have it here.
But I have no electricity, you cut it off.
Upshot is that as far as EDP is concerned, it was down to me to advise them that I did not want electricity !!!!
So as I did not I must continue to pay for the meter as e1.25 a day until the new meter is fitted when the cost reduces to something like e0.55 a day.
Is this robbery or what.
