Who is responsible for replacing an outside leccy box door?

Bridge-Burner

I'm soon to be moving into a new flat with payg electricity. The box is outside and there is no door on it. Just wondering who's responsibility it is to replace it? I've heard varous theories such as the box is the landlords property while the meter itself is the electricity suppliers.
Surely having an exposed box is unsafe?

G_M

If the landlord wishes to replace it, he will.

If not, he won't.

Why not ask him? But as you are a brand new tenant, do so tactfully - you don't want to alienate him from the word go!

(nothing to do with the electricity supplier.)

Bridge-Burner

Well I don't know the landlord as I'm renting through an agent.

Werdnal

Then why not ask them? I assume you have a tongue in your head and speak the same language!

Sorry, but if you don't ask you don't get. I suspect they may suggest you contact the power network supplier, as the meter is their responsibilty and I assume that means the box is theirs too, but ask the question anyway. It may be something the landlord has been "meaning to get 'round to" and forgot, or he may not even know. However, as you as tenant will be the consumer of the power at the property, it may still come down to you contacting the suppliers. But, no harm in asking is there?

elsien

It's down to the owner of the property rather than the utility board.
When mum had her meter moved outside, she had to provide the box even though the leccy board did all the rest.
So I'm guessing that as a tenant it makes it your landlords responsibility?

agrinnall

If you do find out how to get it replaced I'd be interested to know, mine has been broken since I moved here in 2004 and I've yet to find anyone who can either repair or replace it, so the door is held shut by a bungee cord.

G_M

elsien wrote: »

It's down to the owner of the property rather than the utility board.
When mum had her meter moved outside, she had to provide the box even though the leccy board did all the rest.
So I'm guessing that as a tenant it makes it your landlords responsibility?

Correct. The meter is the leccy supplier's. If it is under the stairs, the stairs belong to the property owner. If it is under the kitchen sink (unlikely!), the sink belongs to the property owner. If it is in a box, the box belongs to the property owner.

The agent is just.... an agent. You have a contract with your landlord. Bear that in mind in all your future dealings. Yes, the agent may be your first point of contact, but ultimately the LL is responsible for repairs (which HE pays for, not the agent).

G_M

agrinnall wrote: »

If you do find out how to get it replaced I'd be interested to know, mine has been broken since I moved here in 2004 and I've yet to find anyone who can either repair or replace it, so the door is held shut by a bungee cord.

You own the property? Buy a cupboard door at B&Q + some hinges and fix it.

You rent? See my advice above.

tbs624

As the others have said, it's down to the property owner to sort out.

LL can retro fit a new cover

http://www.meterboxspareparts.co.uk/

He can set the costs down on his tax return

Alternatively the energy supplier can sort it with the LL footing the bill