renting help

[idontevenexist]

Hi Maniacs

In the next couple of months I'll be looking for a place to rent. I've noticed on rental applications forms this

Comments

[socraticomatic]

No, connect your own utilities/services. They're just trying to make money by selling customers to participating suppliers.

[tranquillita]

I wouldn't bother, and just sign up with individual companies that you're happy with. It might take longer, but I'd say it would be worth it. I doubt Direct Connect would give you a choice of provider, seeing as they seem to have "partner" suppliers.

[teacuptempest]

They offer more support for their partner suppliers but they will help you out to connect other services.

[australian_joe]

I am not a lawyer.

My reading of the T&C says that armed with your signature they would be able to switch your electricity provider at any time - they have your NMI (which is what all the "can we check your electricity bill" scams are all trying to get) and are authorised to connect in your name.

Have nothing to do with them. It does not take long to sort this out yourself.

[jamethiel_bane]

Yeah, no. They make money from selling you this and do not sign you up with the cheapest alternative. Organise it yourself.

[teacuptempest]

I got them to do my utilities and they rang me up to organise it and i was able to pick which suppliers to go with...I only got the water, gas and electricity though, the internet was a new connection thanks to no cable where I live and all my insurance policies are handled by my mothers insurance broker so I don't have to worry about that. They did say because my supplier wasn't one of their 'preferred suppliers' they could do it but they weren't able to help out if for some reason the connection stuffed up. but it worked fine.

I'm sure they get a couple of bucks to 'help you out' but if you're time poor or have a mobile and don't want to be on hold to electricity companies for hours running up your bill, they're alright.

[teacuptempest]

Also I've never had them ring or call about anything except like a week after I moved in to make sure it was all good.