Is landlord liable to pay unpaid utility bills

Nicky82

We have given notice to our landlord and we will be moving out in one month time. The landlord asked us now to pay a deposit to him in case we do not pay our last gas and electricity bills (apparently he had bad experience with previous tenants). The contract with the gas and electricity provider is on our name. We paid our last bill and there would be two months outstanding, which we would pay once we move out (We even have already contacted the provider and cancelled the account).
We believe the landlord is not allowed to asked us for a despoit, especially as the bills are on our names? Would the landlord really be responsible to pay the bills, if we dont pay?

Werdnal

As you say, bills are in your name already, so you are liable. Take meter readings the day you move out and ring each supplier with your new address and ask for final bills to be sent there.

LL has no right to ask for money now. I assume you paid a deposit when you moved in - has LL protected this in a scheme as required by law?

KateLiana27

He can ask for what he likes. You don't have to give it to him. Never heard of that before. You are liable for bills in your name, and if you don't pay the companies (and debt collectors/bailiffs etc) will come after you, regardless of where you live.

Explain to him what you've told us. Having a bad experience with a previous tenant doesn't mean he should penalise you.

££sc££

Nope landlord not responsible, companies would chase you if you didn't pay. Maybe have a chat with him, he sounds confused!

clutton_2

""(We even have already contacted the provider and cancelled the account). " why have you cancelled the account a month ahead of moving out ?

A_Phoenix_of_Tangerine

clutton wrote: »

""(We even have already contacted the provider and cancelled the account). " why have you cancelled the account a month ahead of moving out ?

I thought this was normal, i.e. cancelling ahead / giving one months notice?

jamie11

A_Phoenix_of_Tangerine wrote: »

I thought this was normal, i.e. cancelling ahead / giving one months notice?

It's more normal to call them on the last day to cancel the account, with meter readings and a forwarding address for the final payments.

princeofpounds

It's more normal to call them on the last day to cancel the account

Some utility companies do like to get notice, have seen it in their literature. Particularly phone types as it sometimes takes time to swap lines over.

dancingfairy

IF you didn't pay surely all the landlord has to do is provide a copy of the tenancy agreement to the utility people and they would then chase you anyway? It's not really his problem is it?
I think you need to reassure him and I presume you are giving him a forwarding address to return the deposit to and for any additional correspondence/any loose ends that need tying up?
df