What's the usual deal regarding closing utility accounts before getting deposit back?

martin2345uk

Thanks for all the replies guys

So to be totally clear:

1. Even though it's in the tenancy agreement which I signed, they are not allowed to withhold the deposit until they have proof that all bills are settled?

2. This being the case, I should write a letter to the Letting Agency telling them that the utility bills are my responsibility, nowt to do with the LL, and that I am requesting my deposit back ASAP?

3. Would an email be ok for the above, or does it need to be an actual letter?

Thanks again for all the advice!

JuicyJesus

martin2345uk wrote: »

1. Even though it's in the tenancy agreement which I signed, they are not allowed to withhold the deposit until they have proof that all bills are settled?

It's not that it's not allowed, it's that the OFT thinks it's inherently unfair (which is a good guide as to how well it would stand up in court) and that it's absolutely none of their business, since they will not be liable for the utility bills after you have left in any event. The account is in your name. When a new tenant moves in, the agency will likely take down a new meter reading which the new tenant will supply to the electricity and water boards as their moving-in reading, or the tenant themselves will provide one. If you haven't closed down your electricity account, you will be billed for the cost up until the meter reading as part of the switch of meter owner.

I've never had to provide final bills at the end of the tenancy.

2. This being the case, I should write a letter to the Letting Agency telling them that the utility bills are my responsibility, nowt to do with the LL, and that I am requesting my deposit back ASAP?

Yep.

3. Would an email be ok for the above, or does it need to be an actual letter?

Thanks again for all the advice!

No. Letter, sent twice by first class post with proof of delivery from two separate Post Offices (although in this case the dual-posting may be overkill).

G_M

martin2345uk wrote: »

thanks for all the replies guys

so to be totally clear:

1. Even though it's in the tenancy agreement which i signed, they are not allowed to withhold the deposit until they have proof that all bills are settled?
as previously explained
2. This being the case, i should write a letter to the letting agency telling them that the utility bills are my responsibility, nowt to do with the ll, and that i am requesting my deposit back asap?
as previously explained

3. Would an email be ok for the above, or does it need to be an actual letter?
as previously explained

thanks again for all the advice!

:t :t

anselld

Whilst I agree with the previous posters, if you have indeed settled your accounts and the objective is to release the deposit ASAP then it may be quicker to provide the proof as requested.
The LL would lose the dispute if it went to adjudication but that is still a time and effort consuming process for both parties and not worth going through just to prove a point of principle to the LA.

martindow

JuicyJesus wrote: »

No. Letter, sent twice by first class post with proof of delivery from two separate Post Offices (although in this case the dual-posting may be overkill).

I think you meant to write proof of posting. Courts accept first class as having been received after two working days.

If you pay extra for proof of delivery (signed for) the RM tracking often does not update or the recipient can refuse to accept the letter and it clouds the issue of whether the letter has been delivered or not.

tim123456789

anselld wrote: »

Whilst I agree with the previous posters, if you have indeed settled your accounts and the objective is to release the deposit ASAP then it may be quicker to provide the proof as requested.
.

and how are you going to do that given that IME it takes weeks for utilities [1] to send you final accounts

YMMV

tim

[1] especially the water!