Backdating utility bills

MrBasset

Hi,

I moved into a rented property a little over 5 years ago which is owned by a company rather than a single landlord. I did all the normal things of taking over the utilities except for the electricity bills; which I couldn't do because the meter is shared with other properties.

This situation was never really resolved as the individual representing the company would tell us that the bills were being waived as the company couldn't meet some of the obligations that had been discussed when I moved in and other issues that have cropped up that couldn't/haven't been dealt with. At one point I was even told that the electric would be included in a rent rise. Unfortunately for me, none of this was ever documented and it was always discussed verbally.

Recently a different set of people have come to manage the company, and they are pushing to sort out the electric; likely where I agree to pay a fixed monthly amount, which I have no problem with. However the language they have been using recently seems to be suggesting that they are looking to backdate these payments to when I moved in.

Can they actually do this? Would I not have any sort of legal protection as the company has not resolved this in 5 years of my renting and has never once issued an invoice or bill?

Thanks in advance,
MrBasset

Sparx

What does your signed contract state with regards to the electric bills?

MrBasset

Ah sorry, forgot that bit. So far as I know the contract said nothing; going off memory for the moment.

ethank

They cannot do anything if it is not in the contract. The meter is not in your name, it is not your responsibility.

Tell them that you will not be paying any past bills.

If they want to vary the contract in future, they can if the current contract allows you to.

Building_Surveyor

Nothing is free, is it documented in your contract that the management company will cover the electricity bill?

If not then....

mrginge

Building_Surveyor wrote: »

Nothing is free, is it documented in your contract that the management company will cover the electricity bill?

If not then....

One would equally have thought that if it is not documented at all, there is no basis for the MC to suddenly decide that they are entitled to charge for it.

I would call their bluff, let them take me to court and argue it out with the judge.

donfanatico

You only pay for utilities that are in your name, if it is shared electric your name is not on the bill so you can't pay it. They need to either add it to the rent or back off.