cutting off energy to get rid of partner

fennymum

Hello all, I'm needing to help a family member get away from a troublesome partner. They have a joint tenancy agreement which expires at the end of February, but all the utilities are in my daughter's name.

I can provide short-term accommodation for my daughter and the children, but her partner will not willingly move out. If my daughter moves in with me, and notifies the energy suppliers etc that she has moved, will they come round and disconnect the supplies?

There is no chance that the partner will be able to get his name onto the contracts because he has no job, no money, a negative credit history, and no brains. Well, he does have a brain, but it's usually in a drug-induced stupor!

If she could force him out by cutting off the electricity and gas, then my daughter would be able to move back in in time to renew the tenancy in her name alone.

bryanb

They may cut off eventually, but no chance before February.

rogerblack

In short - no.
If her partner is in receipt of JSA, ESA, or DLA, or is simply unable to pay, rather than just unwilling, they will at the most fit a credit meter.

ValHaller

fennymum wrote: »

If she could force him out by cutting off the electricity and gas, then my daughter would be able to move back in in time to renew the tenancy in her name alone.

If she is out of there and has closed the accounts, then that should be the end of it. You cannot and should not interfere with the utility supplies for another person. Frankly, you are making yourself out to be downright nasty.

fennymum

Thanks for the replies. I didn't think it would be easy.

If my daughter moves out and cancels her contracts with the energy suppliers, then will she be relieved of any liability for energy bills during the time that the joint tenancy agreement remains in force? If the worse come to the worst, she could simply find another place to rent on her own after the expiration of the existing tenancy agreement.

How much notice do energy suppliers need for an existing customer to cancel?

angelsmomma

It is also worth pointing out that just because she moves out it does not end her liability for the rent. If he decided to stay on even 1 day over the AST expiry it just goes onto a periodic agreement which since it is a joint agreement leaves her as liable as him for rent payments.

fennymum

angelsmomma wrote: »

It is also worth pointing out that just because she moves out it does not end her liability for the rent. If he decided to stay on even 1 day over the AST expiry it just goes onto a periodic agreement which since it is a joint agreement leaves her as liable as him for rent payments.

Thanks. I understand that she would still be liable for the rent (she would stay with me rent-free), but I believe that so long as she gives notice of her intention to quit the property, then the tenancy agreement would expire. Would the partner also need to give notice, or would he become solely liable for a rolling agreement? Up until now, the lettings agency have always refused to let the agreement go onto a monthly basis, and have always insisted upon a new 6-month contract.

Yorkie1

To be honest this would be far better on the renting etc board.

Perhaps ask a board guide on here to move the thread to there?

fennymum

Yorkie1 wrote: »

To be honest this would be far better on the renting etc board.

Perhaps ask a board guide on here to move the thread to there?

Thanks - I agree with you, and have done as you suggest

Alias_Omega

Thread moved for a better response.

AO

sandsni

AFAIK electricity (and presumably gas/water) are considered "essential services" so the energy company will only disconnect the supply as an absolute last-ditch resort. As someone else has suggested, they are more likely to put in pre-paid meters rather than disconnect the supply altogether.


If your daughter feels her partner (if he's usually in a drug-induced stupor) is putting the children at risk, could she get some kind of restraining order against the partner and get HIM to vacate the property so she could stay put?