topic Re: 18 month contracts and early exit fees when you're a private tenant in My Account/Billing

18 month contracts and early exit fees when you're a private tenant

ceawk — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:39:14 GMT

Sorry if this is a well-worn topic - I did search the forums before posting.

My broadband contract is coming up for renewal soon. I'm happy with the price of the new contract on offer but not so happy about the 18 month length. Like most renters I have an assured shorthold tenancy, which means I can be given two month's notice to leave my accommodation at any time, so I'm understandably nervous about signing up for such a long contract. Yes I know I can move home and take my contract with me in most cases, but with the rental market the way it is it seems increasingly unlikely that I'll be able to find somewhere else I can afford to rent on my own if I have to leave my current flat, and if it was within that 18 month contract period I'd persumably be hit with fees punishing me for ending it early despite having little choice in the matter. I understand why the fees exist of course, but it's not like I'd be ending my contract early because I want to switch to another supplier or simply because I've changed my mind.

Does Plusnet have some kind of policy or offer a bit of leeway regarding early exit/cancellation fees for renters who so often have little control over when they have to move home? Can Plusnet offer a shorter contract of 6 or 12 months specially for tenants? Surely tenants should have access to the same good value broadband deals as homeowners without being expected to lock themselves in to contracts that are 3 times the length of a standard tenancy.

Re: 18 month contracts and early exit fees when you're a private tenant

Baldrick1 — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:41:37 GMT

@ceawk Welcome to the Plusnet Community Fora.

Have you tried ringing the Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 and asking if they do a shorter term? Even a 12 month contract might help.

Re: 18 month contracts and early exit fees when you're a private tenant

Mustrum — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 16:18:24 GMT

@ceawk you could do a search on the broadband deals/U switch/moneysaving sites and look for suppliers that do shorter term deals. Now for example do a 1 month deal, then you can work out if the extra cost is acceptable compared to the savings you may get over a longer term contract.

Re: 18 month contracts and early exit fees when you're a private tenant

Baldrick1 — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 21:11:09 GMT

The Plusnet ‘out of contract’ rate is a one month deal. As @Mustrum says, it’s the relative cost that has to be considered.