Changing Suppliers in Rented Property

newsgroup_monkey

I'm already a bit miffed because I have a clause (albeit illegal one) in my contract which says I can't change suppliers without written permission from my Landlord. Fortunately, they didn't mind when I moved.

I've now received a letter from the LLs agent which says that they are proposing changing all properties to Southern Electric.

The cheapest Southern Electric plan is going to cost me more than £100 a year.

I've sent them a response back saying "no thanks".
Clearly, they are getting kickbacks - I don't see any reason why there is any benefit in the agent having everyone with one supplier.

If it gets smelly, is it worth fighting them? I really like where I live, I've been here quite a long while (I was hoping to stay here until we've saved a deposit) and I don't want to suddenly be told that the contract isn't being renewed.

Premier_2

They can't change the supplier whilst you are the account holder.

Of course, if they want to take over the accounts and pay the bills for you, let them ...

talulahbeige_2

The agents for a property I used to live in tried to do this, I said No thanks and they accepted it, however they did try again 3 months later but again took no as the answer, they are just trying it on.

newsgroup_monkey

i just can't believe the nerve of them.
OK, I can understand them trying it on in the contract, but then forcing a supplier on me...

Pincher

What does the landlord gain? Is there some sort of landlord special deal, where the landlord gets a cashback?

It is certainly a pain if the tenant had moved to some dodgy company, and they make it difficult for the landlord to switch back to a decent company. In particular, if the tenant moves out owing £500, even a good company may not allow a switch until the debt is settled.

dogshome

Hmmm - I get the distinct smell of aged Fish

From many posts on this site, there is a lot of circumstantial evidence that the main sales platform of "Spark Energy", is to do a brown Envelope deal with *'Managing' Letting Agents, to get Spark listed as the encumbant supplier whilst a property is in limbo between tenants, with the latest reports implying that they have gone a step further by trying forcing Spark onto sitting tenants.

*There two types of agent - A Letting Agent advertises the property, deals with the paperwork and then when it's let, it's up to the landlord to sort maintenance problems and collect the rent.
A 'Managing' Agent, for a fee, takes on responsibility for repairs and collects the rent - In fact they are in total control

What is very worrying from this post is that Southern Electric, one of the BIG6 players, appears to have got into this game - Could I wonder, has this anything to do with Ofgem's short term ban on doorstep selling ? - One shady sales tactic closed, so a sharp suit at SE dreams up another?

The customers right to choose a supplier is enshrined in the 2002 Utilities Act, so tell your Agent "No Thanks" in whatever words you choose to use

bengasman

newsgroup_monkey wrote: »

I've now received a letter from the LLs agent which says that they are proposing changing all properties to Southern Electric.

They can not change you, it is illegal. Only the person responsible for PAYING the bill can change suppliers. Report them to whatever organisation they are a member of.

newsgroup_monkey

Cheers guys. Bengasman - I'm well aware they can't force me. It's the fact that they even asked me that grates.

dogshome: There's usually a £50 odd cashback from changing suppliers so it wouldn't surprise me in the least that they would do a deal with the agents. In my case, the LL believes they have bought a fully managed service (although I think they're getting increasingly frustrated in what they find themselves doing anyway).

macman

They cannot change the OP's existing account, but they can of course decline to offer a new STA when it expires.

Plushchris

Definately not the first time I've read this story on here, its usually Southern Electric or Utility warehouse that the agents have set a deal up with.

It stinks.

newsgroup_monkey

macman wrote: »

They cannot change the OP's existing account, but they can of course decline to offer a new STA when it expires.

I'm aware of this, hence why I don't want to cause a stink, but it won't be half as big as the stink my LL will make. My LL likes us because as we've both owned houses in the past, we treat their property with the same respect as if it had been our own place.

If I'm honest, I'll shy away from this mgmt agency if I ever have to rent again anyway. I'm dreading leaving because of the horror stories I've heard about them holding onto deposits for the weakest reasons and I have no intention of going to arbitration unless I have to.