Can I switch my landline if I am renting?

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Our Expert says...

Hi James,

Glad to hear you’re thinking of opting for the Primus Home Phone Saver deal in your new flat - it is currently the cheapest standalone line rental and calls package in the UK.

When it comes to switching the phone line service in a rented property, your first port of call should be your landlord. They may already have a landline and broadband service in place in the property, which may or may not be included in your monthly rent.

If your landlord has already arranged a home phone service in the property, and you find it expensive or unsuitable, you should speak to them to see if you can get them to cancel the existing contract or get them to switch the service to another provider - recommend that they use a price comparison service, such as the Homephonechoices.co.uk postcode checker, to find the best deals online.

You may find that the new flat you’re moving into doesn’t currently have a landline service, and the landlord deems it your responsibility to get one installed. If this is the case, follow our top tips below to make sure you get the best deal on installation, line rental and calls…

Phone line installation in a rented property

If the property you’re moving into hasn’t currently got a landline service, you will need to get a phone line installed or reconnected. The good news is there are plenty of options when it comes to getting a new line installed. Take a look at the table below for more information:

	Free installation	28 Day Guarantee
Call TalkTalk 0800 049 7834 Go	Call BT now 0800 028 4474 Go	Call Virgin Media 0808 189 0508 Go	Call Sky now 0844 241 0582 Go	Call Primus now 0800 036 0170 Go
FREE connection	£0 with any calls & Broadband package	£0 with Calls Broadband + TV £40 otherwise	£10 connection charge	£59 connection charge
Set-up usually within 7 & 10 days for a new line installation. If switching from Virgin, you can keep your line until your new line has been activated *	Setup within 4 working days for a connection, and up to 16 working days for new line installations *	Setup usually within 2 weeks. Plus you can normally keep your number. Virgin Media also offers a 28 day money back guarantee *	Setup normally between 14 and 28 days for connetion or new line*	Setup between 12 - 14 days normally for a new line installation *
Go Call TalkTalk now 0800 049 7834	Go Call BT now 0800 028 4474	Go Call Virgin Media 0808 189 0508	Go Call Sky now 0844 241 0582	Go Call Primus now 0800 036 0170

* All providers allow you to select a convenient appointment on a suitable date when you place your order online. However, line setup times will typically depend on the availability of an engineer, and other factors, such as the number of concurrent line installations in your area.

Please have a read of our Phone line options article for information about the other various providers that offer landline installation, and then choose one that suits you and your budget.

Comparing line rental and calls

It’s important to note that most providers will make you sign-up for line rental and calls with them for at least 12 months when you get a line installed or reactivated. Therefore it’s important that you compare line rental prices and call rates when choosing a provider to connect your line.

You mentioned that you’re considering the Primus Home Phone Saver deal, which is £7.99 a month for line rental and free unlimited evening and weekend calls. Phone line installation with Primus usually costs a one-off fee of £59, though you should contact 0800 036 0170 (or visit www.primusconnect.co.uk) to see if you can get the line connected for less.

See how Primus compares with some other UK evening and weekend call packages in the table below:

Getting a landline service in the flat you’re renting needn’t be stressful James - simply compare prices online, sign-up and you’ll usually have your phone line working within one to three weeks.

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@homephonechoices.co.uk