Tenant on Prepayment Meter

bel2310

I'm looking for a bit of advice. I have a property which I rent out, current tenant has been in for 4 years, she receives HB which comes direct to me and is a very good tenant who causes me no problems. The house is heated by storage heaters on Economy 7 which is paid for by a pre payment meter. I am aware that she is paying a premium rate for this, and wondered about the possibility of changing off the pp meter to an ordinary tariff. Would this be wise, or am I leaving myself open to being responsible if she should incur any debts ? I was thinking of putting the account in her name if that is possible. Would appreciate others thoughts, even if it is to tell me it is a stupid idea.

[Deleted User]

It would be better to go to credit meters, but not by that much, I looked at a electric prepay tariff the other day and was astounded to see what the day rate is set to... over 18 p a kwhr. Night was very good at just over 6.p but even so the day rate is mad.. Advise your tenant to try and do every thing poss within the cheap rate times, showers , drying , washing , even ironing if poss. she is on "standard " tariff which is prob the highest. Try a comparison website for eco7 to see what the savings and fixes are on standard tariff. Her price per kwhr are displayed on, screen "I " for day and " K" for night. I think the switchover times will be reverting next week on sunday to GMT times approx 12.30 to 7.30

ValHaller

I would put the account in the tenant's name to start with. And let her make her own choice about what meter to have. It really does not do to put yourself as a middleman on what should be the tenant's contract. At worst, if arrears develop for whatever reason, she could start a new account with her choice of supplier and leave any arrears in your lap.

bel2310

The prepayment account is in the tenants name, and she has already changed to a cheaper prepayment tariff. I somehow had the idea that changing off pre payment had to have my authority, not sure why. If this isn't the case then yes I will let her choose what she wants to do, thanks for the advice both.

chris1973

I looked at a electric prepay tariff the other day and was astounded to see what the day rate is set to... over 18 p a kwhr

Wow you aren't even trying! - check out Npower, already over 20p per KW/h on its E7 peak daytime rate, and no doubt set to rise again very shortly.

Some suppliers are also over 7p per kw/h on their E7 off peak tariff also, won't be long before off peak is the same price as a single rate tariff!