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electricity cut off by the courts, help!
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Whilst it is true that there is little a LL can do to prevent a tenant from having the type of meter in the property changed, especially if the LL is unaware of it, there is an obligation on any tenant to return the property in the same condition as it was originally let, fair wear and tear excepted. Failure to do so could render the tenant liable to the cost of reinstating the property to that condition.
If a tenant finds they need, or are being forced into, taking a different type of meter, they should discuss and gain the approval of their LL first. Much of the distress caused when renting a property could be avoided if only the tenant were to keep their LL informed.
(If a link I give opens pop ups I won't know I don't use windows)
Gas/electricity meters are not the property of the landlord but of the meter operator, so it shouldnt make any difference. I lived in a few shared houses with friends and we got cut off so had pre-pay meter installed, L/L didnt even notice when we left and they went through the inventory thing
They may not be the property of the LL, but they certainly are not the property of the tenant.
The tenant rents the property including it's contents from the LL. If the tenant wishes to change anything, T should discuss this with LL first to gain LL permission. If your LL didn't notice the change of meter, it sounds like you got a lucky escape by having a LL who obviously doesn't care much about the property he lets to have missed that on the outgoing check. Some LL's are more careful about the property they let to their tenants.
Similar to perhaps a fridge, washing machine or TV which the LL may provide but may not own, they may be rented. That doesn't allow the tenant to replace them with different makes/models just because they are not owned by the LL.
Hope this helps.
Dee x
I was once told if you are having trouble paying someone you are best making small regular payments even £1 a week as when it goes to court it shows you are still trying to pay and as they are recieving somthing it goes in your favour
If you pay the landlord a price all inclusive of bills, it will be the landlord who then has the contract with the supplier so it is not your right to have the meter changed.