Can you get utility bills split by supplier for each tenant?

macman

It doesn't matter how many names you have on the bill. And no, the utility cos will not split the bill under any circumstances-how can they do that if there is only one meter?
All people named on the account are jointly and severally liable.
Which means that they will come after the first person named for the full amount owing. If that fails, they will go after the next, and so on.

byebyedebt

Avoid pre pay. Per unit you will pay a lot more.

When you move in phone the utility companies and get your payment details.

Now Im guessing you have, gas, electric, telephone and water. So each tenant takes reposibility for a single bill. Then they pay £10 per week by standing order to that bill. Every time you get a bill you reassess where you are.

Now if you have 3 bills and 4 people, the 4th person could pay £10 per week to the biggest bill. If you find you are paying too much for a particular bill change the standing order to every two weeks. Then set up another standing order, for the weeks when that person is not paying, and put that money towards the biggest bill.

When you move out you work out the final bill between you.

It will normally work out cheaper to have a direct debit set up, but in most cases the standing order will negate the direct debit, but you will get the direct debiit discount.

advantix

Mankysteve wrote: »

If you really want to a pre payment just switch it its down to you as a tenet as you pay the bills. Its a simple job to change, doesn't need any construction work. Switch back a month or two before you move out simples.

Be careful with this. A lot of Tenancy Agreements nowadays have a clause in stating that you cannot change the supplier or meter type without the express written permission of the landlord. (This of course does not matter if fitted on warrant for debt. Do not need landlords permission for this). Also, a lot of suppliers will charge you to have the PP meter taken out (around £50 per meter) and some will not remove at all for a rented property unless you have been there for atleast 12 months.

Mankysteve

See http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/unfair_contract_terms/oft356.pdf

It would be a unfair contract term but as I said just arrange a swap back before you move out and the ll will be none the wiser if they ask why its got a newer meter just tell them the old one failed.

Premier_2

Mankysteve wrote: »

See http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/unfair_contract_terms/oft356.pdf

It would be a unfair contract term....

Anything particular in that report you were alluding to?

It seems to confirm the earlier poster's opinion. i.e. from page 64 of the report:

Obligation:
Against changing the phone or utility supplier.

OFT view:
The tenant should have the choice of supplier although he may be required to keep the landlord informed of any change and to return the account to the original supplier at the end of the tenancy.

Nothing appears to be stated about the change of type of meter (I doubt any LL would be too worried about the simple change of a meter on a like for like basis).
Here the basic fundamental of a tenancy agreement would presumably apply i.e. for the tenant to return the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition, fair wear and tear excepted, as it was originally let in.

Therefore if the meter is changed, then the tenant should ensure it is changed back at the end of the tenancy ... or face the cost of having the meter restored to it's original format.

byebyedebt

Premier wrote: »

Here the basic fundamental of a tenancy agreement would presumably apply i.e. for the tenant to return the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition, fair wear and tear excepted, as it was originally let in.

Therefore if the meter is changed, then the tenant should ensure it is changed back at the end of the tenancy ... or face the cost of having the meter restored to it's original format.

Having a key meter would not actually help much. First of all, all the tenants will be paying more, and then there is the hassle of topping up the card. Mate number 3, might not be around when its their turn to top it up etc.

To top it up there is the hassle factor. Someone has to be there for the meter change. Someone has to be there to change it back, and more importantly all of you will have to pay the charge for refitting a normal meter. £50 or more will be the going rate, which is quite steep as my family used less than £30 for Gas and Electric last month. Why waste a months payments!

KimYeovil

Agreed that prepayment is not worth the hassle (or expense). There is no guarantee that responsible parties will not pay less - if anything they will end up having to pay even more because they want the power on (even on top of the higher prices.)

OP, if you are this paranoid about your future 'mates you might want to look for self-contained bedsitters instead. If you are this suspicious of them why move in with them in the first place? Fuel bills are likely to be the least of your worries. Why not scout around for postgraduate lets (try growing a beard and a pipe if you are baby-faced.)