In your tenancy

Check your tenancy agreement to clarify if you are responsible for paying the household bills.

Make sure you take a reading from the gas and electricity meters and make a note of it. Ask the supplier to read the meter as well.  Check your first bill to ensure that it does not include the previous tenants' charges.

Sharing payment of bills

Everyone named on a bill is liable not only for their share but for the whole of the bill, provided they signed an agreement to have a supply. This is known as "joint and several liability." A supplier has the right to pursue one or all the tenants named on the bill for full payment. Joint and several liability overrides any private agreement between tenants.

Gas and electricity supply advice

Consumer Focus Scotland have produced this information leaflet for tenants. It tells you what to do when you move into a new tenancy.

Council tax

Most landlords expect tenants to pay Council tax. If a property is occupied entirely by students then they are exempt from paying Council tax. Students must apply to Revenues and Benefits for their exemption.

Money and debt advice

If you are having trouble with bills and need money or debt advice there are services that can help.