Back bill Business electricty help required

mick121212

Hi guys

I currently rent my office from my landlord (council) for the previous 7 years. About 4 years ago I stopped receiving electricity bills (I didn't realise for a while) and my landlord sends his colleague in to read the meter every month.

It states in my lease to pay the utilities so I'm assuming the landlord is unaware of the terms of the lease? I think the council changed suppliers and by mistake moved my account over to them?

Where do I stand with this as nothing was my doing. So to make this clear, I'm currently (4 years at least) not paying my electricity fees.

BTW, I changed into a limited company 3 years ago, so I don't know if this makes a difference as my previous company has now been closed down.

I welcome your advice

Thanks guys

System

An administrative error is just that - an error. If your landlord can provide evidence that a debt has accrued then a claim for repayment of the debt can be made. There is no legal time bar if the debt is only 4 years old.

You might wish to read this link:

http://www.lawdonut.co.uk/law/contracts-disputes/debt-recovery/debt-recovery-faqs

You suggest that this situation is not of your doing; however, you clearly know the terms of your lease and that the cost of energy supplied falls to you. As a business owner, you must surely have a provision in your accounts for the debt that has been accruing? As this is likely to end up in a dispute between you and your landlord; my advice would be to find a good solicitor.

mick121212

Hi... Thanks for this

I think I'll start putting the money to one side and when/if they come looking for it, I can pay quickly.

The current landlord is quite a hard faced person so if I approached him I'm sure he'll want back paying... I'll save up and put to one side and hopefully the next landlord might be a softer touch?