Contract

MrRightSA

How do you know if you are under a contract? [that has a cancellation fee]

I just started renting a flat and the gas is being taken from my bank account (set up by the letting agency I assume) with the electricity being a top up meter (which I don't want).

I ran through one of the online comparison websites and it suggests I'm paying way too much, but I don't know if I need to stick with the dual tariff on Scottish Gas for a set period.

e: I found the T&C's and it doesn't mention a cancellation fee, just that I must give 28 days notice. Am I fine to leave British Gas for a cheaper supplier then?

Terrylw1

Yes, if your tenancy agreement states you are responsible for the utilities, you can move wherever out want.

You don't really need to wait 28 days as you will have a new contract cooling off period and then the new supplier will request a future dated registration. So, if you have been in a week or 2, the 28 days would have passed by the time the new supplier notifies them.

A lot of letting agents send off a letter to notify the current supplier of a tenant moving in to cancel their account, hence starting hours up. They will give them your name.

spiro

Who is taking money from your bank account? The supplier can't do that unless you have authorised them to do so and your letting agent should not have given the supplier your bank details. :eek:If they have I would jump on them like of ton of bricks quoting a serious breach of DPA.
If the letting agent is taking the money then they are paying the bill on your behalf.

undaunted

Have you asked for a copy of any tennancy agreement and other contracts? (you are entitled to be informed of any terms & conditions that apply to you & would then usually have an opportunity to accept or cancel)

If you are supplied under a deemed contract they should also advise you what other options you have.

Cardew

When you move into a property you are on a deemed contract as soon as you use any gas/electricity. This is invariably on the company's standard tariff - that doesn't have a penalty for switching.

Terrylw1

spiro wrote: »

Who is taking money from your bank account? The supplier can't do that unless you have authorised them to do so and your letting agent should not have given the supplier your bank details. :eek:If they have I would jump on them like of ton of bricks quoting a serious breach of DPA.
If the letting agent is taking the money then they are paying the bill on your behalf.

They might a signed something the letting agent use to send on to the supplier with their name, date and readings. It could be a service they provide if the tenant wishes to use it.

If they simply handed them on without agreement though...DPA breach!

spiro

Terrylw1 wrote: »

They might a signed something the letting agent use to send on to the supplier with their name, date and readings. It could be a service they provide if the tenant wishes to use it.

If they simply handed them on without agreement though...DPA breach!

Bank details? I think not because you have not authorised or agreed to a DD which looks like is being taken here.

macman

You'll normally need your landlord's permission to change a PPM for a credit meter, and they'll usually be a charge of around £50 to change it, unless you can negotiate a better deal.

Terrylw1

spiro wrote: »

Bank details? I think not because you have not authorised or agreed to a DD which looks like is being taken here.

I meant if the agency has a form specifically to give details to the supplier which includes bank details.

I'm not saying its legal, but with agents/landlords switching tenants for kickbacks and adding unenforceable clauses trying to keep tenants with these suppliers, is this another trick for suppliers offering higher kickbacks for grabbing DD payers?

It certainly needs investigating.

I'm sure I used to see something come in like this with the tenants signature on for handover years ago, but it was a long way back...

Terrylw1

macman wrote: »

You'll normally need your landlord's permission to change a PPM for a credit meter, and they'll usually be a charge of around £50 to change it, unless you can negotiate a better deal.

Its good practice to advise it, but from a suppliers point of view the tenant is the customer, so will do it. If it needs a collector or any form of drilling, definitely needs the landlord.