If you just move to a Property, What about Bills Addressed to the Occupier ?

TheRealDeal_2

Hi,


I am curious what the case is with a Scottish Gas bill for £900 addressed to the 'Occupier' of a property that I have just moved into ?

They also sent letters to the 'Occupier' trying to sell their bussiness to them offering rates for 2012 - 2013.

Whats the deal here if I chase them off as I have just moved in, who is liable for this bill ?

The letter was threatening to break into the property with Police and a warrant to install a different meter.

JSR

You're not liable for somebody else's bill. It shouldn't take more than a phone call to sort it out.

ihateyes

TheRealDeal wrote: »

Hi,


I am curious what the case is with a Scottish Gas bill for £900 addressed to the 'Occupier' of a property that I have just moved into ?

They also sent letters to the 'Occupier' trying to sell their bussiness to them offering rates for 2012 - 2013.

Whats the deal here if I chase them off as I have just moved in, who is liable for this bill ?

The letter was threatening to break into the property with Police and a warrant to install a different meter.

but what you must do, is contact them and advise your the new resident and give them your opening meter read.
otherwise, they will switch the meter to pay as you go, and you will pay more, plus they will get a warant for it as well.

the fact they are sending bills out, means you the occupier now have a deemed contract with Sgas

coventrian

I would read that meter asap,at least that way you only pay for what you use & not what someone else has used. I moved into a property 2 floors lower, but in the same block as my orriginal flat, & E-ON tried to charge me for the bill the maintenence crew were resposible for. You are classed as a deemed customer,though, unless you change supplier yourself but they have to inform you.I agree with the last reply,a phone call should correct it, as they may have been ignored by previous occupier.

Cardew

Phone but follow it up in writing, and take a photo of your meters.

mattcanary

The bill is for you - you are the occupier. Your supplier doesn't know who you are yet but nevertheless you are the occupier, are the person using the electricity and therefore you should start paying.

Of course, the readings used on the bill may not be correct. So best to read the meter yourself, as other people hee have already stated. Also did you read the meter yourself when you moved in?

Basically, you need to phone up th supplier and give them as much of this info as you can!

TheRealDeal_2

Thanks for all the replies, I have more thoughts on this.


What if I do not wish to be with Scottish Gas ?

I can call them up and explain that I am new to that household but why should I give them meter readings and sign up to them if I can get a better deal ?

Can I just go straight to an Energy supplier of my choice or do I still need to call Scottish Gas and explain I am not liable for their bill as I am a new resident ?

macman

TheRealDeal wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, I have more thoughts on this.


What if I do not wish to be with Scottish Gas ?

I can call them up and explain that I am new to that household but why should I give them meter readings and sign up to them if I can get a better deal ?

Can I just go straight to an Energy supplier of my choice or do I still need to call Scottish Gas and explain I am not liable for their bill as I am a new resident ?

Because you are in a deemed contract with SG from the day you moved in-you have already used the supplies, which have to be paid for.
Once you have opened an account with them, you can commence a switch if you wish, which takes 4-5 weeks.
You should have taken meter readings and done this the day you moved in to avoid paying for energy used by the previous occupier.

TheRealDeal_2

macman wrote: »

Because you are in a deemed contract with SG from the day you moved in-you have already used the supplies, which have to be paid for.
Once you have opened an account with them, you can commence a switch if you wish, which takes 4-5 weeks.
You should have taken meter readings and done this the day you moved in to avoid paying for energy used by the previous occupier.

I understand but there is no way I am responsible for this humongous bill of £900, I want to make sure that I am not liable.

If I say I've only been there a couple of weeks are they going to demand proof or just accept what I say and start charging me from there as a new customer ?

Tupperware_Queen

did you not read the meters when you moved in and contact the supplier?

Swipe

Can't believe you've been there for a couple of weeks already. That is the first thing you do before you even start moving stuff in.