Rented property - I can't switch supplier

petshopgirlemma

I rent my flat and it states in my contract that I can't switch supplier - how can I get the best (capped?) rates out of my current suppliers? They are British Gas ands E.on.

At the moment I pay the bills when they arrive and I am on their standard tarrifs.

paintpot

Does it actually say you can't switch supplier or does it state you can't switch supplier without the landlord's permission? The AST I use has something to that effect in it although I don't believe it is actually worth the paper it is written on: as a tenant you are perfectly entitled to change supplier. I just ask my tenants to notify me that they have done so, so that I don't faff around at the end of the tenancy finding out the new supplier. Otherwise, my tenants can use whoever they like, I have never objected to a change and I don't believe I have a legal right to stop them anyway is my undertstanding.

My advice would be to contact your LL and politely state that you would like to change the supplier. Hopefully they won't have any issues with it.

HTH

petshopgirlemma wrote: »

I rent my flat and it states in my contract that I can't switch supplier - how can I get the best (capped?) rates out of my current suppliers? They are British Gas ands E.on.

At the moment I pay the bills when they arrive and I am on their standard tarrifs.

jdavtz

Do what paintpot said: phone your landlord and ask about it.

petshopgirlemma

I've just double checked my most recent contract (which was for 2005-2006!) and there was no mention of it in that one so I've just switched to Dual Fuel with british gas.

horrorhag

i was just going to respond that you can go with any energy supplier in rental sector, for example just because your landlord shops at morrisons it doesnt mean you have to....

owain.davies

Your landlord is not able to enforce a supplier on you - even if it's in the contract. This falls under the Unfair contract terms act, meaning that its not worth the paper it's written on. Definately advise your landlord, but if they say no, then politely inform them that you are going to switch with or without permission!