Moved into flat last week, get a bill from EDF for last 3 months

KayDude

Hi guys,

Moving houses is an absolute nightmare! I just received a letter in the post today from EDF intended for 'Owner/Occupier from 18/10/2011'. The bill is from the period of 25 July to 5 November, and I only moved into the new place on the 3rd of November. I haven't called EDF yet to inform them of my move, but in my previous flat the rent covered electricity so I didn't have to take any meter readings.

The bill is VERY hefty, about 445 pounds in total, for just roughly 3 months! Obviously having just moved I don't want to pay this, but legally who is liable to pay it? My landlords are a contracting company and it is hard to get in contact with them, while the estate agents are saying they don't deal with the day to day issues as they don't manage the place. This is leaving me in a dilemma as I fear electricity getting cut off at some point. I also fear that the longer I take to inform EDF of my house move, the tougher it will be to get out of this. And here is the trick, I don't have access to my meter, it is not in the room, it is in some shared room which needs a key to enter...

What should I tell EDF if I call them tomorrow? Would for example sending a copy of my contract be proof enough that I have only just moved into the place?!

Any help/input here is appreciated, first time I move into a flat with a separate electricity bill!!

amd

I'd take a reading immediately and let EDF know you are a new tenant. You should not be liable to pay for previous tenants bills for anything - phone, broadband, TV licence, council tax, etc. You must notify each company yourself - yes it is a pain - I've just had to do it myself! Previous tenant still hasn't notified phone company he's gone so I still can't get it transferred to me! The electric company were happy to take my word about date of entry.

You need to chase up to get access and read the meter as soon as possible.