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Can a house seller shut off utilities before completion of sale?

Is it legal for a seller to shut off all utilities - gas, electricity, water - before the completion of a domestic house sale in the UK? The property is being sold as 'occupied'. My conveyancing solicitor isn't sure if this is right.

Public Comments

1. I'm not sure how it is done in the UK. In America usually the utilities are not shut off. They change the name of the old owner to the new owner on the day they have been asked to do so. Sometimes they are slow to make the change so it is always good to check and make sure it has been done.
2. The will notify the companies of a moving date but they cannot shut it off.
3. Sure. If the seller isn't living in the property they should notify the companies and have it stopped. It's up to the new owners to notify their suppliers with the moving in date. I've moved so many times now, I'm a dab hand it! Your conveyancing solicitor should know that.
4. They will usually take the meter readings if the property in question is occupied on the day of its sale/exchange. The services may be turned off if the property has been unoccupied for a period of time.