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Change of Tenancy (COT)
Key takeaways
- A Change of Tenancy (COT) is the formal process of updating the supplier when one business stops being responsible for a meter and another business takes over.
- If a COT isn’t completed, the incoming business often ends up on deemed rates — which are usually expensive.
- Always submit dated meter readings on the day responsibility transfers.
What is a Change of Tenancy?
A Change of Tenancy (often abbreviated COT) is the industry process for updating a supplier’s records to reflect a new occupier or owner becoming responsible for an electricity or gas meter. It’s the energy-billing equivalent of telling utilities when you move into or out of a property.
COTs apply when a tenant moves out, when a building is sold, when a company is restructured, or when a sub-tenant becomes the responsible party. Without a clean COT, the incoming party is normally placed on deemed rates until they sign a contract.
What suppliers typically need
- The exact date responsibility transfers.
- Meter readings (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas) on that date.
- Outgoing party’s contact details for the final bill.
- Incoming party’s legal name, billing address, contact, and lease evidence if requested.
Why it matters
If the COT is missed, the outgoing party may keep being billed (and chased) for energy used after they left.
The incoming party will normally be placed on deemed or out-of-contract rates until they sign a new fixed rate contract or other agreement.
