Energy Mod1 Page7
DUS - Energy Training (8 of 17)
The Change of Tenancy - (COT)
When do we need to get a Change of Tenancy filled out?
The Client has NOT already notified the current supplier that they have moved into the premises, (The easy way to check this is to see if the bills are in the clients name. If they are, then you do not need to complete the Change of Tenancy form)
If the Client is going to notify their current supplier, we do not need to do this. This can cause confusion later down the line i.e. If the client notifies the supplier that he, John Smith has moved into the building. We also notify the supplier that John Smith has moved into the building but trading as ABC Limited, then the supplier will not accept any contracts from ourselves.
Some suppliers will ONLY accept the Change of tenancy from the client directly. If you are trying to do a Change of Tenancy with BES for example, they will not accept our Change of Tenancy form and will potentially block any proposed contracts. With suppliers like these, the client MUST do the Change of Tenancy on their own, without our form, although we are able to assist them through the process. (Start by getting the client to ring the supplier, but make it very clear NOT to agree anything over the telephone, as they are usually very good at tying people into expensive, lengthy contracts).
The Change of Tenancy form can be used when a business is vacating a premises. Though it is not often we use it for that purpose as most businesses that are leaving a premises will notify the supplier themselves that they are no longer in the building.
Notes on the Change of Tenancy -
A Change of Tenancy can also be referred to as a COT. The industry also use other names for the process of a change of tenancy including "Change of Occupancy", or "Movers Notice" Here at DUS we use either COT or Change of Tenancy.
If the client is submitting a Change of tenancy themselves, it is essential that the client keeps a copy of emails, correspondence or telephone conversation notes with suppliers to avoid future confusion. Some suppliers with multiple department, can "lose" information so its always prudent to be able to clarify the paper trail in such circumstances.
If the client is submitting a Change of Tenancy themselves to move in or out of a premises, they MUST take note of the meter readings as soon as they are responsible for the supply. We also recommend taking photo evidence of the meter reading, so there can be no dispute over the meter read.
Paperwork
Below is a PDF of the Change of tenancy document. Please Download it and get familiar with this document.
