HELP: Pay-As-You-Go Coin electricity meter Problems

Rakesh.Chauhan_2

Hello,

In my rented apartment i have a Pay-As-You-Go Coin Electricity Meter where you put in £1 to top it up.

My landlord walked in my house and empted the Meter but found insufficient funds (when he was probably expecting 10 times the amount). He believes the Meter was faulty and now is installing a new one.

Is it legal for him to demand "an estimated figure of cash" from me for the usage for the past 6months when he previously emptied it even though i have been away for half that time? What could he do if i didnt pay for it as it wasnt my fault that he supplied me with a faulty meter?

CIS

He would have to prove that the meter wasn't taking the right amount and that it was wrong, this would be very hard for him to prove.

As long as you thought the meter was right, I cant see that he could enforce it, short of taking legal action. If he does try to, demand that the meter is indepentely checked.

How could he even estimate a figure ?, unless he knew your every coming and goinmg and what time you switched the kettle on.

He cant base the figure on previous tenants as they may have used much more electric than you.

lizzie666

coin meters are rubbish as the landlord can set them to pretty much what they want.
Basically, whatever your landlord pulls out of your machine, he puts towards the overall bill (i'm guessing there are a few flats)
You do not receive a bill,therefore you are not responsible to pay
Your landlord receives the bill in his name. he cannot pass his debt onto you.
If he disputes this I would tell him to change the meter to avoid any more problems.

Rakesh.Chauhan_2

Just got back from work and saw a letter from my landlord stating that it was "necessary" for him to give me a months notice after he discovered that he's legally wrong - he doesnt mension in the letter the reason BUT we all know its down the faulty meter!

blu_3

It his responsibility to ensure the meter is working correctly. He can't ask you to leave because of this, neither can he ask you for extra monies (unless see below).

You are in the right not him, as long as the meter had not been tampered with. If all is well there should be a wire and lead seal on the meter, to show it had not been tampered with. If there wasn't one make sure there is at your next address. Next time get the landlord to declare on the tenancy it has been checked. Also take two photos of the meter and seal, and get the new landlord to sign and date the back of them, do not keep the photos in your home. it is well known for landlords to enter properties without prior permission. On false pretences such as fire alarm or water mains stop valve and more.

Seek advice from citizens advice or other trusted official source.

rapido

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Rakesh.Chauhan_2

I reckon the landlord may take the money for the electricity out of my damage deposit - I've kept the place absolutely spotless ever since i moved in. How do i get around the landlord taking my money?

smartie1976

You will have to make sure that if he tried to charge you it is detailled. You may be as well to take some comprehensive photos before you leave, witnessed by a friend, in case he tries to pull the old "broken window" "room needed repainting trick".

You will probably then have the evidence to prove he is lying. If there is any reference to a recouped elec costs then you can take him to court. He does not own the meter - transco do, so he cannot try to suggest the meter was tampered with - it has to be independently verified. Again, take photos of the meter as it currently is, with a friend in the photo and a dated document (a newspaper is best)