Tied into utility supplier by tennancy agreement

musey

I agree with Olly, just because it is written doesn't make it so. To my mind there is no way the agents can enforce your continuing to use the same suppliers. Personally I wouldn't even bother talking to them about it, I would change to whoever you wish to use. Your current suppliers cannot inform the landlord or letting agent that you have changed, I suppose you could always swop back to the current suppliers just before you move if you didn't want them to know. Personnaly I can't see why they would be bothered either.

Just as an aside if anyone in the house in claiming benefits, it may be worth seeing if you would qualify for any of the energy efficiency grants knocking about they could also help reduce your outgoings. Landlords approval would be required but no Landlords I know would turn down free imrovements to their properties.

lemontart

You can change it, just as long as you give them the account numbers when you move out, as it does not actually state that you cannot change it in any contract then you are not tied to current supplier, however if anything has to be changed physically on site then you must seek permission,

Bethxx

clutton_2

i also agree that this is an unfair term of contract - it is not the landlords business who you get your supplies from - if you have been there 5 years the landlord is gonna want you to stay on - ii would just go ahead and change it. if you talk to him/her they might want to put the rent up!!

UniqueEarthling

clutton wrote:

i also agree that this is an unfair term of contract - it is not the landlords business who you get your supplies from - if you have been there 5 years the landlord is gonna want you to stay on - ii would just go ahead and change it. if you talk to him/her they might want to put the rent up!!

I've not long had a rise so I think I'm okay for a bit That'd be typical though, save £50 on my bills and hand it straight to someone else lol

UniqueEarthling

Well, I've spoken to the agent and they insist that the rules are there for a reason and must stay. But, after some discussion, they have told me to shop around, see who I'd like to move to and they will discuss it with the landlord.

So, off to uswitch I think, to see if I can find a cheaper supplier I guess it has got to be worth a try. Thanks for the advice everyone. x

clutton_2

nonsense - "rules is rules" is fobbing you off Ask them to explain the "reason" to you - they just cannot be bothered !!!!! These clauses in AST's were made long before the energy market opened up the way it has now, and you are perfectly entitled to change your supplier if you wish.

It is definitely an unfair term - and if the LA does not know that, take in a print-out of the relevant part of the OFT website and explain that you dont wish to be difficult, but, this is what you have been advised to show them.

its not gonna cost them any money if you change utilities, its just uncooperation for the blinking sake of it

jobs wurfs - dontcha just luv em

space_rider

I`m sure that under the guidelines for changing suppliers that it is illegal to stop you. Your contract with a supplier is between you and them and nothing at all to do with the landlord. It`s a nuisance for the agents as they don`t always know who is the supplier but they can easily find out.

UniqueEarthling

I have a feeling they know this and don't really intend to enforce the rule if pushed.

I got the impression they just like to be awkward in the hope that most people won't bother.

But I am going to bother, especially if it means I can save a few quid

clutton_2

good on ya - go ahead and do it !!

kit

They can not force you to stay with a suppplier. Law no longer allows this. If they do not let you change - go to CAB to ask for help.