I finally moved at the weekend. It was a total mess. There was a huge debt on the gas, electric and water. The agency we rented through thought it was acceptable to leave us with no gas for the weekend and wouldn't pay it off so that we could credit the meter. The electric was cut off on Sunday night because of the debt, yet again, the agency didn't give a damn. The agency didn't supply us with the meter location, let alone something to use to buy credit. The whole place was really dirty so we have been cleaning with cold water seeing as the lack of gas meant no hot water 
It all sucks.
When we spoke to them on Monday, they wouldn't even apologise, and said the utilities are our responsibility. I completely accept that, but we need to be given them debt free, and the means to add credit. Wankers.
UK people - Don't rent through the Letting Shop (or More Estate Agents) in Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford or Braintree... It's not worth it. They take your money and treat you like shit.
If anyone is in a position to offer advice on where we stand legally, it would be a great help.
Alias xx
It all sucks.
When we spoke to them on Monday, they wouldn't even apologise, and said the utilities are our responsibility. I completely accept that, but we need to be given them debt free, and the means to add credit. Wankers.
UK people - Don't rent through the Letting Shop (or More Estate Agents) in Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford or Braintree... It's not worth it. They take your money and treat you like shit.
If anyone is in a position to offer advice on where we stand legally, it would be a great help.
Alias xx
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
Thanks so much for the love on my member review set, Rebel Without a Cause!
With regards to your move, so long as you have a tenancy agreement clearly documenting the date of commencement the outstanding debt isn't your responsibility legally - the property and all outstanding debt is down to the previous tenant. You should take readings from all your meters, photographing them if appropriate and contact the electric/gas company. Explain you are new tenants and direct them to the agency for contact details for the previous tenant. If you have a key meter they will send you a key first class post (for gas and electric). Failing that, you should speak to Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Best of luck getting it sorted out!