Money Moral Dilemma:Should I ask my neighbour to stop charging their car?

Former_MSE_Megan_F

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I live in a block of flats and have noticed another resident frequently charging their electric car using the general plug sockets there. Our service charge is already high and I'm worried this could push it up further - should I say something?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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tacpot12

I wouldn't approach them directly, I would let the management company know so they can take action, if the neighbour doesn't have their permission.

matelodave

I agree with tacpot12 - get the management company to tackle the issue

MeterMan

I disagree, Go and tell the person to stop, Its not their right to charge it up and only doing so to save on their own electricity bills.

If they continue to use it, then contact the management company with pictures as proof. You could even go down the route of reporting them for theft.

EachPenny

MeterMan wrote: »

I disagree, Go and tell the person to stop, Its not their right to charge it up and only doing so to save on their own electricity bills.
...
You could even go down the route of reporting them for theft.

Which could end up being a little embarrassing if the management company have given them permission. They may be using a 'general' socket because it isn't feasible to plug the car in to a socket in their flat. They may have made an arrangement with the management company to pay for the electricity they are using.

The alternative is to suggest they find out if the local council are providing 'free' electric vehicle charging points, as some do. That way the car owner can get their motoring costs paid for at the expense of the taxpayer rather than the other flat occupants. :doh:

Pun

How often is 'frequently' - can cost about £3 for a full charge, so unless this is happening a lot, maybe not something to worry about too much. Ask your management company to clarify the position (i.e. pass the buck!).

[Deleted User]

I'd be onto the management company, especially if there is a chance the service charge could go up because of excessive electricity being used on a communal socket.

But on the other hand, I've not known any blocks of flats with communal sockets, what's to stop anyone running an extension lead through their letterbox to power an electric heater 24/7?

Is this even a real scenario?

DoodleAlley

Get together as many of your neighbours as you can, and go round to this cheeky sod's flat together, each of you taking an appliance of your choice - eg kettle, toaster, microwave, deep fat fryer, bread maker, power hedge trimmer, concrete mixer etc etc.

Force past him when he opens the door, plug in your kit, and let it all rip.

gloriouslyhappy

MeterMan wrote: »

I disagree, Go and tell the person to stop, Its not their right to charge it up and only doing so to save on their own electricity bills.

Not your business to interfere before checking the facts, so check with the residents' association or the management company, and keep in mind it would be difficult for them to charge their car from their own flat if they're not on the ground floor and / or near the car park!

John_Gray

Since the supply to these external sockets will be metered 'somewhere', the Management Committee could simply invoice the flat-owner for the use of the electricity.

Buying an electric car will have cost them £lots, so they must be well-off. I'm sure they'd be delighted to pay, not only for their charging of the car's batteries, but for whatever communal use these sockets are used - electric lawn-mower, perhaps, etc?

#ZerothWorldProblems

sara_bande

Mention it casually and politely to the person, and if necessary, then liaise with them, other residents, and the management company about how to cover the cost fairly. Should be straightforward.

I would not go behind their back and talk to the company. A recipe for bad feeling all round.