Managing utilities in a house share.

sirwardle

So a few months ago we were on BG and decided that there were better rates elsewhere. I signed a new contract with npower, upon account creation I added the other people in the house to the bill. The first one came though yesterday but only had my name on it.

The issue is I'm going away for army Phase 1 training where I won't be able to return home to check for any bills for 7 weeks and know we are due a bill during this time. The other people don't show any interest in the utilities seems to be me who takes the money and eventually pays. I'm worried about them not doing anything when the next bill comes.

Let's say they don't touch it and I come back finding the account owes would this effect my credit rating? If so I don't want to trust other people with such things what can I do to protect myself?

sirwardle

Thank you for the advice. Guess I'm going to have to get a clearer idea of by obligation to pay the untilities when absent.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Usually in a flat / house share, you all agree between you to pay an equal share of the utility bills, however the legal situation as far as the supplier is concerned can be very complicated. It's better to get it accepted in writing by the supplier that you are asking for the supply on behalf of everyone else.

If an account has been set up using the names of all the residents, the supplier can legally chase anyone named on the account for any outstanding debts. For example, if your name is on the bill and you've paid your share of the fuel supply but another resident doesn't pay their share, you could still be held legally responsible for the remaining debt.

Premier_2

Arrange to pay by DD - problem solved