SP - bill for previous tenant

musicinme_2

I came to Scotland in September. I rented the apartment, and the meter readings has been entered in the contract. The first bill came in December, however, in the name of the previous tenant lived in the same building. Was paid by me ( I have confirmation of payment.) The next bill I received in March, but it was exposed to the occupier ( anonymously ) with the new account number. The amount of the bill is 520 pounds! It turned out that the bill has been charged from July, two months before moving into my apartment and not take into account a payment made ​​to the address in the billing period. Not waiting a long time I went with this problem to my landlord to explain the matter. My landlord in a conversation with SP, faxed two bills, he gave me as a new tenant and recommended to pay only the difference between the new and the paid bill. SP also had to adjust my balance minus the two months when I have not lived there. A few days ago I received another bill. From previous differed only in that was issued on my name. I was told that I have to pay the entire bill and then pursue my rights, but reading all these threads, I wonder if I have any chance of eventual recovery of my money. SP fixed the Direct Debit payment of 80 pounds a month. This amount is 40 pounds debt and fixed charges for consumption. Should I call the SP once again or send them a letter asking to regulate this matter?

t0rt0ise

You should have contacted SP when you moved in and opened an account in your name. The fact that you paid a bill addressed to the previous occupant leads them to believe that you aren't a new occupant at all. You will have to persuade them that you are. I wouldn't bother with your landlord but deal directly with SP and explain the situation. You could write enclosing a copy of your tenancy agreement showing the date you moved in and the starting meter reading.

Personally I wouldn't pay any money until it's sorted. They should put a hold on the account until then anyway.

musicinme_2

Thx t0rt0ise. I thought that landlord or agency usually should inform gas or electricity provider about new tenants, but apparently I was wrong. I'm going to do as you advice.

macman

It's nothing to do with your landlord-your responsibility and yours alone. Don't ever trust an agent or landlord totake opening or closing readngs, when they stuff up it will be you left holding the baby (or rather the bill).