7 months of unpaid gas, electric (and water)

macman

xyu87 wrote: »

Oh naff. I've seen of others who's usage couldn't be traced or proven so they were just gifted with a clean slate from when they called in.. but once again I'll assume worst case scenario

Cheers though, I've got a list of numbers to ring tomorrow so I'll just have to see what happens.. Will report back if there's any complications thankyou, much appreciated!

But if you didn't bother to take and submit any readings when you moved in, and the outgoing tenants didn't submit closing readings, then your usage can only be estimated once you have proved the start date of your tenancy. And it's hard to dispute the estimates without figures.
So by hoping it would be free you've let yourself in for huge catch up bills and a lot of extra hassle.
The agency didn't lie-the supplies are 'hooked up', but it's still your job as occupier to register for the accounts on day one of the tenancy.
PS: did you remember to sort of your CT exemption as well? Just because you are a student doesn't mean it's automatic.

xyu87

macman wrote: »

So by hoping it would be free you've let yourself in for huge catch up bills and a lot of extra hassle.

PS: did you remember to sort of your CT exemption as well? Just because you are a student doesn't mean it's automatic.

I was only hoping for a clean slate after reading through some other posts on here, I'm very much expecting worst case scenario so I have been putting bill money aside in the meantime despite noone asking for it

CT exemption's sorted though but thanks! oh and cheers McKneff, bizarre tip I'm sure will save a few quid cheers!

MentalMinnie

Keep us posted, I'd be interested to know what they say! Good luck!! x

HalloweenJack

does your tenancy agreement say bills are included?

also your flat mate needs to move the bed away from the boiler cupboard door - i could be wrong but im sure theres a legal requirement for access to it.

gentlebloke

Ring Consumer Direct. They'll find out who your suppliers are and talk you through what you have to do next. 0845 404 0506

Anubis_2

Some student lettings include gas and electricity and water in the rent ( certainly the case for my son, daughter and neice) so, the first call should be to your letting agent to determine if utility bills are included. Also, I presume you have a tenancy agreement, it should be outlined in that.

If it isn't and by chance your agent states they are included, get it in writing. If not included ask if they have the meter reading for the last tenants when they moved out.

I woyldn't panic too much, your usage isn't that high. Reason I think it might be included is that I can't see it going on for 7 months without a call to the property, if only for a reading, regardless of type of meter.