Utility- Landlord dictating where i must get it from?

tbs624

N79 wrote: »

Damn I need to find out how to get in on this revenue stream - just think of all the Carribean villas I am missing out on:rolleyes:

The phrase "revenue stream" is what is put out by the utility companies to entice LAs/LLs to sign up. As a certain supermarket would say "every little helps" but obviously its of most benefit to a LL with a large number of properties and to LAs who, as we know, love to rack up as much extra ££ from the T as they possibly can, whilst charging the LL as well.

N79 wrote: »

Seriously though, I think we agree, at least in principle.

Marvellous:D

N79 wrote: »

I have no problem with a tenancy term along the lines of "Ts must apply to the LL in writing for permission to change utility provider; such permission will not be unreasonably withheld by the LL etc" which, if properly exercised, is merely ensuring that the LL is aware of changes to the provider. This saves LL costs at the end of the tenancy. In fact, I use such a term myself. It merely means that I have justification for charging Ts the cost of recovering control of the utilities if Ts have failed to abide by the tenancy agreement.

I'd actually go further - the T should not have to apply for "permission" : clause should merely be along lines of "The T is required to notify the LL in writing of any change of utility suppliers".

tbs624

property.advert wrote: »

A tenant can decide to change supplier for many reasons and not only to cut costs. I personally do not think it unreasonable for the landlord to retain some control but perhaps limited to being informed and any penalty to switch out of that deal and into another with a different supplier is taken from the despoit.

If the LL wants to retain control of the utility supplies then the solution is simple - s/he takes responsibility for paying the bills. Of course, Ts who have their utilities included in their rent have no incentive to keep costs low. .....

There is no justification for taking money from tenant's deposit - LLs simply should not sign up to these deals if the T is paying the bills.That way there will be no "penalty". Simple.

tbs624

byebyedebt wrote: »

....I am a landlord and its a real problem if a tenant changes the supplier and doesn't tell. If you do change, let the landlord know before you go.

Agree -Ts *should* let LL know who is supplying the utiltities.

byebyedebt wrote: »

As a landlord I prefer Southern and Utility Warehouse as Southern dont charge sillly bills for the period between lettings (for example a standing charge), where as Utilities Warehouse can also manage the phone services.

So, in essence is what you are saying that you'd view it as acceptable for Ts to be tied in to higher utility bills for the duration of their tenancy so that you get your minimal bills for void periods "written off" by that provider? Wrong, so very wrong if so. Let's not forget that LLs can set such charges down on their tax return.

byebyedebt wrote: »

Some landlords charge if you change the service and don't tell them when you move which is reasonable if they have to spend 2hrs ringing the utility companies..

It doesn't take 2 hours to find out who supplies a property. All it needs is that the T is required to furnish the LL with the final meter readings and the utility providers' names - LL sends proforma out to T.

byebyedebt wrote: »

My own policy is not to forward mail, until I know that utilities are sorted.

You must be gutted if the Ts sign up for RM re-direction then;)

theartfullodger

My own policy is not to forward mail, until I know that utilities are sorted.

I'm sure you'd expect Tenants not to forward your mail to you then.. what a petty attitude, some might say...

N79

tbs624 wrote: »

I'd actually go further - the T should not have to apply for "permission" : clause should merely be along lines of "The T is required to notify the LL in writing of any change of utility suppliers".

The problem with this, which in theory I agree with, is that Ts will not do it. The need for "permission" creates a paper trail when a T has informed the LL of their intentions. Otherwise Ts switch (which is fine) and then claim to have informed LLs when they have not. This then degenerates to a "he says she says" argument while the LL has to cover the (admittedly not very high but as you say - every little helps) costs of recovering the utiliities.

Rather than spread this cost over all Ts, the good (who inform, thus removing the costs of finding out who the utilities are now with) and the bad (who do not) I would rather minimise costs for the good Ts and have the bad Ts fully cover the costs associated with their actions.

jen_br

Well i finally got the LL to agree to let me have free reign on the bills, I printed the uswitch savings page asked him if i could have X discount on my rent then if im not allowed to save it via the utilitys lol

I found out from the CAB, if the bill is in YOUR name the landlord has no rights to tell you that you cant switch but they can demand that you give them notice or tell them what youve switched too