Energy Supplier - Landlord allowed to dictate?

leftfootleashed

Hi,
I moved into my first rented property in September and have just managed to sort everything out with the company that supplies the gas and electricity, EDF, and am now paying monthly by direct debit.
However, my letting agent is now asking me to complete some forms so that the supplier can be switched to Southern Electric, ostensibly because it's cheaper, but probably because it's more convenient for them and they have a deal with SE.
I don't particularly want to switch; perhaps it is cheaper, but it won't be by much, especially as I'll be moving out in 9 months, and I could really do without the hassle.
So my question is this: Does anyone know if the letting agent have the right to dictate who supplies my energy?
Thanks in advance,
Dave

Cardew

Normally no.

However it depends on your tenancy agreement, I have never heard of an agreement that can dictate where individually metered properties get their energy.

The cynic in me suggests that the letting agent has negotiated a deal where they get the commission for tenants switching.

Refuse to sign the forms and see what happens.

Vestra

Ask them what happens if you don't?

Plushchris

Tell your agents you are on a fixed price contract that has a £100 cancelation fee, if they give you the money to pay for that and you will gladly sign over to SE

Edit: You arent the first person to post about this happening, its always southern electric that agents want to sign people up to, I would say Cardew isnt a cynic and has it spot on (or we are both cynics)

leftfootleashed

Thanks for your replies. I'm siding with the cynics here too; for one thing, I doubt the agents' would do anything like this out of the kindness of their hearts. That sounds like a plan Plushchris, I like your thinking. If all else fails I've realised that I can refuse to sign the forms on the basis that I don't agree to the data protection stuff at the bottom. Thanks again.

Cat695

The only way I can see they could dictate who you went with was if your rent included bills....which is quite clearly doesn't.....so i agree with the above they have to get something out of it and it will probably not benefit you in any way.

adprob

I know that in my tenancy agreement it stated that I could change suppliers however when i handed the keys back i had to be back with their chosen supplier or i would loose part of my deposit. that was with a letting agent. When I did a private let the bills were in my name but the landlord put it in the lease that i was not allowed to change!