Can I disconnect electric 3 weeks before settlement?

Discussion in 'The Buying & Selling Process' started by Abooking, 5th Sep, 2017.

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  1. Abooking

    Abooking Well-Known Member

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    I'm unsure about the logistics of meter readings etc. I want to disconnect now. Or do I have to wait until the day of settlement? I presume that the solicitors dont get involved in this?

    thanks
     
  2. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Are you buying or selling?

    You can disconnect with a day or two's notice. Keep in mind that you need to keep the smoke alarm working.
     
  3. Abooking

    Abooking Well-Known Member

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    Im selling. Theres battery operated smoke alarm. Non issue I think
     
  4. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    You can organise a final meter reading for a specific date. Organise it for the day after settlement.

    The buyers are entitled to make a pre settlement check that the property is in the same condition as when they signed the contract.

    How can they do this if you have switched off the power?

    I would be instantly suspicious, and would instruct my solicitor to withhold money in case expensive repairs needed.
    Marg
     
  5. Stoffo

    Stoffo Well-Known Member

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    Are you worried about it being used whilst empty ?
    You should be able to notify electrical of vacating and get a final meter read.
    They rarely actually disconnect (pull the main fuse) these days
     
    Tom Rivera likes this.
  6. Phar Lap

    Phar Lap Well-Known Member

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    Final meter read but you would be still paying for "daily supply charge". IMO.
     
  7. 738

    738 Well-Known Member

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    How can you withhold funds on suspicion of something not right? No chance of doing that in Vic.

    Owner can disconnect power whenever they want. Up to purchaser to connect if they want to test anything.
     
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  8. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Where is property? In SA it takes about 3 working days for a disconnection and there's rarely pre settlement inspections anyway, so I'd go right ahead.
     
  9. Xenia

    Xenia Well-Known Member

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    Yes you can
     
  10. Tom Rivera

    Tom Rivera Property Manager Business Member

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    I can't see anything wrong with that, I'd expect people to disconnect around unconditional.
     
  11. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    We've bought propoerties where there was no power when we went for final inspect. When we connected power after settlement the hot water unit (electric) went bang! :confused:

    Uh well.... win some, lose some....

    The Y-man
     
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  12. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    My opinion only, but I'd leave it on until settlement in case they want to check things, do a final inspection. Why do you want to turn it off so early?