Urgent!- British gas estimated billing

milominder

I've just moved into a new house. Have to clear the previous bills as part of the lease (Rent is cheap, so I agreed).

The propoerty's been vacant for quite a while. British gas has sent estimated meter reading based gas and electricity bills, significantly higher than they should be. I'll be giving them regular updates on my readings from now But if I pay the present bill, will the extra payment I'm making be credited in future bills?

What should I do?

PudseyDB

Provided you don't change energy supplier, when they read the meters, you'll have credit on your account. However, if you cant afford the extra now, then ring and ask if you can give your own reading.

milominder

Thanks, can you give me a number? I only get the automated service when I call.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

You have to clear a previous tenants bills? What is this con?

Jenny001

You are not responsible for previous tenants bills no matter how cheap the rent!

You can ring them and give them a new reading and they should send out a revised bill but I certainly would not be paying for someone else's bills.

Cate1976

British Gas cannot make you pay any bills for before you moved in. You need to ring them & give them the reading for the day you moved in. They should get anything owed by previous occupant from them, I believe from other threads that the landlord has to pay any charges for the period between previous tenant moving out & you moving in.

milominder

I guess I was unclear. I am getting money off the first month's rent equivalent to the previous bills as the landlord is busy, no con! Just that it was much higher than the meter reading.

superbigal36

You are quids in then in theory.
Difficulty may be paying bills that are presumably not in your name.