how to approach landlord suspected of using our electric...

The_Earl_of_Streatham

Fitting a sub meter may not be the best solution.

If there's electrician work to be done, why not just fit a meter directly for the areas formerly stealing electricity? I'm guessing that this is in order to avoid having to set up an account with a supplier. A separate account with a supplier would indicate separate premises which would be liable to council tax.

This has already been suggested and dismissed as being without evidence.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5566307

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5566307


I am suggesting that the desire to fit a sub meter rather than an independent metered supply is evidence of just such shenanigans. Why is having the landlord buy electricity off you rather than buy it from the usual suppliers considered a good solution? You are not obliged to sell them electricity, let them buy their own.

karcher

I was just wondering if the OP had any update on this?

Has the LL reimbursed you and got a new meter installed so they are no longer stealing from you?

CIS

Easiest way regarding the council tax is to check here to see if it's banded as an individual dwelling - https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands

If it's not there's a good chance it should be, the Valuation Office Agency would be responsible for banding it.

Craig

Sadie23

karcher wrote: »

I was just wondering if the OP had any update on this?

Has the LL reimbursed you and got a new meter installed so they are no longer stealing from you?

I wish I could give you all an update, but thus far there is none! the work is due to be carried out this week now and LL will be down to 'oversee' things. Had told her that we do not want sub-meter, it must have own supply away from ours. By our calculations, she owes us £520 up to November 14th, I think its going to be hard work getting that money though, I can just feel it!

baldelectrician

I think a sub meter is exactly what you need (in the short term)


You can deduct the electricity costs from your rent each month (you can take a photo of the meter each time and email it with the invoice), then you are never out of pocket.


You can even add a charge of £15 for your time.


The ball is in your court as you can pay the rent less the electricity costs you have incurred, although there is nothing to stop her increasing the rent at the end of the period.


In all actions you must be seen to have been open, fair and honest- then if she takes you to the court for non-payment of rent you have a meter to evidence her costs and the fact that your bills will have dropped.

paye

I have a 4 bedroom house, my dual fuel energy bill is around £125 a month with a family of four living in it. Something is surely not right. You must investigate.

TheGardener

I think you are going to have to get tough on this LL or a) you will never get your cash back and b) you may be considered to have been complicit in what appears to be an attempt to defraud the public purse (council tax etc).

If you haven't already - make sure you have plenty of photographs of the electric set up BEFORE the new meter is installed - otherwise how could you prove it was never there? Might be worth taking a few during the work as well.

I still think a sub meter is a really bad idea - a separate account is the only safe way to go.

(paye - read the posts - your reply makes no sense at all...)

maninthestreet

This thread is shocking - the LL should be charged.

Pixie5740

how to approach landlord suspected of using our electric...

I suggest getting a 12V car battery, some jump leads and attaching them to your landlord's nipples.

Alter_ego

Pixie5740 wrote: »

how to approach landlord suspected of using our electric...

I suggest getting a 12V car battery, some jump leads and attaching them to your landlord's nipples.

The 12v would be harmless, but think about the jump lead clamps!