Proof of Fianl Bill Paid

FBCool

Basically our landlord wants proof that our final bill has been paid before we can get our deposit back. How do I get proof that I've paid the final bill?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

how did you pay it, cash, cheque, debit card, online?

FBCool

I was going to pay it by cheque. Usually we pay it direct debit but since this is the last bill and the regualr dd has been cancelled I can't do it like that.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

well if you have a final statement it will be stamped paid, once you have paid it.

SwanJon

as it is your bill and not his, he can't withhold your deposit. Can't remember all the details, but someone else here or on anothe board will.

MoneySavingUser

you could make your cheque payable to the post office or pay it in cash there

they can stamp it for you

glider3560

If you pay by phone (by talking to a person, not the automated services), you can ask for a receipt to be sent. This is usually just a letter that confirms the account balance is £0.00

Cardew

FBCool wrote: »

I was going to pay it by cheque. Usually we pay it direct debit but since this is the last bill and the regualr dd has been cancelled I can't do it like that.

It is not wise to cancel DD in advance as the Utility Company can(and often will) remove the DD discount, and if you are on a tariff that stipulates payment must be by DD, they can charge you for a standard tariff.

Premier_2

There's two ways to do this, both of which have been answered here.

The easy way:
a) get a receipt, such as a stamp at the bank or post office when you fay the final bill and show this to the LL. Otherwise ask the LL what he will accept as proof of settlement.

The harder way:
b) tell the LL to keep his nose out. It's your debt and nothing to do with him. Claim your deposit back from the appropriate deposit scheme. The LL's attempt to prevent this due to a debt with a third party (the utility supplier) won't be upheld.

talulahbeige_2

In the pre correspondance when we gave notice on a rented property they asked for this. When it actually came to it they didn't ask again and we just got our deposit back.

They actually dont have the right to ask for this either if the bills are in your name. Teh utility compnay will chase you if you dont pay it, not the landlord. If yuo dont pay it it wont effect the credit rating of others who live there as it is in your name.

The LL/LA are just looking for a way to delay giving you the deposit back

Cardew

Clearly the Landlord is not responsible for tenant's gas/electricity/water accounts.

However if a tenant does leave and defaults on the bill, all the hassle from the Utility/Water company and eventually DCA comes initially to the landlord and/or the new tenant; if nothing else to trace the old tenant. I speak from experience!

So it seems to me it is not an unreasonable condition, to put in a rental agreement, to insist that the tenant clears those bills - I wish I had.