Flat mates won't pay utility bills - can I turn off supply?

puk999

ed_r wrote: »

Turns out one of the non payers is the lead tenant.

So not only are these two not paying their share of the bills, but this dodgy lead tenant may not share the returned deposit among the others!

anselld

ed_r wrote: »

When do I stop helping her? Same time she stops helping me I hope. Never.

Helping is not the same as intervening!

Ulfar

dimbo61 wrote: »

I would refuse point blank to allow any pre payment meters in my property.
You are increasing the costs for other students

I hate to point out that it is the customer of the utility supplier that gets too choose. Just as they get to choose who they have as supplier.

The costs it imposes on the others are not your concern, if you are trying to make them your concern will you help out any tenants that are in the OP's daughters position by confronting the other tenants. After all they are increasing her and the other compliant tenants costs.

If I was the landlord, I would be more worried about the late parties, anti social behaviour and the prospect of the damage they may be doing to the property.

Failing this the only other recourse the OP's daughter has is to move out, notify the utility companies, give meter readings and pay any final bill. Someone else will then have to take over the costs.

Also if they have a joint tenancy the Landlord can pursue the other tenants, if all of the compliant tenants did this, two months rent would soon be outstanding and its eviction time.

dimbo61

All-Inclusive means I am the customer for the utilities !
Many universities are now asking Landlords to offer allinclusive due to this very reason.
Students pay rent and LL takes care of the rest like in halls of residence.
Students have no idea of heating costs, broadband etc
In Manchester the university housing office MSH is very pro active in anti social behavior and students can expect a visit from the police, council and university housing officer a few days after a complaint has been made.

Ulfar

dimbo61 wrote: »

All-Inclusive means I am the customer for the utilities !
Many universities are now asking Landlords to offer allinclusive due to this very reason.
Students pay rent and LL takes care of the rest like in halls of residence.
Students have no idea of heating costs, broadband etc
In Manchester the university housing office MSH is very pro active in anti social behavior and students can expect a visit from the police, council and university housing officer a few days after a complaint has been made.

This is a wise approach to take, the only problem being if the tenants abuse it. However if there are 3 or 4 sharing an extra £10 to £20 a week each will not be too bad.

It does also means your property won't appear to be the cheapest which is a big issue for students. It needs to be a majority of Landlords doing this.