Moving out of house but huge bills

delirious

I am about to move out of a rental property and have just had 2 very large british gas bills through the post (Gas bill is £436.06 and Elec bill is £260.69). Having spoken to British Gas, I can pay these off on a monthly basis but as my letting agency want proof that all bills are cleared, is there anything I can do to get my deposit back as I was hoping to use the deposit money to clear some of this gigantic bill.

Thanks in advance.

Fire_Fox

AFAIK you do not need to prove the bills are paid, all you need to do is prove that the bills are in your name and (possibly) that you have provided BG with a forwarding address in order that there is no hassle for the landlord or next tenant. Presumably your damage deposit is lodged in one of the three schemes - have you checked their policy on this? Have you asked the letting agency if they are willing/ able to release the money directly to BG? Does BG know you are about to move and do you have it in writing that you can pay by installments? Usually if you close the account payment is expected in full.

delirious

Fire_Fox wrote: »

AFAIK you do not need to prove the bills are paid, all you need to do is prove that the bills are in your name and (possibly) that you have provided BG with a forwarding address in order that there is no hassle for the landlord or next tenant. Presumably your damage deposit is lodged in one of the three schemes - have you checked their policy on this? Have you asked the letting agency if they are willing/ able to release the money directly to BG? Does BG know you are about to move and do you have it in writing that you can pay by installments? Usually if you close the account payment is expected in full.

The terms of the DPS that I have do indicate that the deposit will be held if bills aren't cleared. British Gas also supply my new property and when I log on to my account, it shows the supplies for both properties and yes, they do know I'm moving but I haven't yet submitted my final meter readings as I've got the property for another week yet.

princeofpounds

The terms of the DPS that I have do indicate that the deposit will be held if bills aren't cleared

That's odd and stupid. Can you show the link to the scheme rule? Liability to utility bills is attached to the person, not the property.

delirious

princeofpounds wrote: »

That's odd and stupid. Can you show the link to the scheme rule? Liability to utility bills is attached to the person, not the property.

Thanks, I'll find the link and post it here. I do completely agree that I don't see what it has to do with the LL/LA as it's my name on the accounts.

lellow_lorry

I have just left my rental and that condition is certainly not in my deposit conditions... The deposit is there for damage beyond wear and tear, or cost incurred by the landlord. The fact you owe money to the utilities is none of their business and between you and the utility company as no one else is liable for it. It might be worth leaning on them over this as it is not relevant ot your deposit. Also which deposit scheme is requesting this?Good luck

Fire_Fox

delirious wrote: »

The terms of the DPS that I have do indicate that the deposit will be held if bills aren't cleared. British Gas also supply my new property and when I log on to my account, it shows the supplies for both properties and yes, they do know I'm moving but I haven't yet submitted my final meter readings as I've got the property for another week yet.

Not all clauses in AST's are fair, lawful or enforceable: as suggested check the policy of the deposit protection scheme your landlord is using. The debt follows the person, if you can demonstrate the debt is in your name, you have supplied a forwarding address to both the letting agency and BG then there will be no reason to hold your damage deposit.