3 year back dated utility bill from landlord

Cindy12345

I have just been evicted by landlord as he does not want to do the work required to meet the new EPC requirements.  I have also finally been sent the utility bills for the 3 years I have lived in the property (these were through the landlord as I was not allowed to deal direct with the energy supplier myself since the property is part of a farm estate on one large joint account).  The electric bill is £2734 for last year alone so I am looking at squaring up an £8000 bill for my tenancy period.  I'm wondering, is there anything I can do to reduce this given that there was no billing until recently and the amount is, in my opinion, absolutely extortionate with no prior warning - not to mention that the meter was moved off the property so I have no access to it and the reason for the late billing was because the meter could not apparently be trusted! I can't pay this bill and just need some advice on what to do, if I had £8000 spare I would be using it to buy a house, not to pay for a utility bill based on a faulty meter at a rented property!!

davidmcn

Either the amount is correct or it isn't, the fact it's taken 3 years to bill you isn't itself a reason to reduce or waive it. Are you saying it's "extortionate" because you doubt it's accurate, or just because it's a large lump sum?

notrouble

* what exactly does it say in your tenancy agreement about utility bills?

* is this electricity? Gas? Oil? what?

* does your property have a separate meter? Did it but it was removed? If yes, when (exactly) and why? What usage does th meter show? What was the reading when you moved in? What was it when you moved out? If you've not had access, has the LL provided the move-out reading? What was it?

* have you been given a copy of the utility company's bill(s)?

* have you ever paid any utility amounts? If yes, when/how much and how calculated? If not, whyever not (in 3 years!). Did you think it was free....?

bouicca21

I find it difficult to believe that a year of electricity can really cost that much.  Have you asked the landlord for proof of usage?

grumiofoundation

notrouble said:

* what exactly does it say in your tenancy agreement about utility bills?

* is this electricity? Gas? Oil? what?

* does your property have a separate meter? Did it but it was removed? If yes, when (exactly) and why? What usage does th meter show? What was the reading when you moved in? What was it when you moved out? If you've not had access, has the LL provided the move-out reading? What was it?

* have you been given a copy of the utility company's bill(s)?

* have you ever paid any utility amounts? If yes, when/how much and how calculated? If not, whyever not (in 3 years!). Did you think it was free....?

As above have you seen the bills/readings? And is it in your tenancy agreement?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/problems-with-your-energy-supply/what-your-landlord-can-charge-for-energy/

anselld

You have lived in a property with EPC F or G, electrically heated, for three years without paying any utility bills.  Why did you not address the problem earlier?  You must have know there was a nasty surprise waiting to happen!

Having said that, ask for proof of readings for your individual property and for proof of the unit rates charged by the communal supplier.  The Landlord is not allowed to profit from the resale of energy but if the readings and the unit rate add up then you will be obliged to pay.

diggingdude

have you been running electric heaters for 3 years 34/7 safe in the knowledge you weren't getting billed for it????

DCFC79

Keep the thread updated.