Electric box lock is broken - how can I get in?

KGRyder

Hi all,
I moved into a rented flat in October last year and soon noticed that the lock to my electric box was sheered off. I contacted the electric company (Octopus) who informed me it was the landlords responsibility. I contacted my estate agents (Purplebricks) on the 2nd January and was told the landlord was on his way immediately to fix it. 

Needless to say he wasn’t. It’s now April and I’ve just been charged £200 for 1 months electricity because I haven’t given them a meter reading. This has gone up from £11.05 in January. 

I really need to get into that electric box but the estate agents / landlord are useless. How can I get in? I’ve tried glueing a pen lid to the broken lock but nothing has worked!

Richie-from-the-Boro

Just beg borrow buy a key.
https://www.meterboxesdirect.co.uk/replacement-gas-meter-box-key.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/slp/meter-box-key/ypuwkkrcdhrp5tf
https://www.screwfix.com/p/services-cabinet-key/16428
Everyone everywhere sells them. Best of luck

MeterMan

Screw a screw into the middle of the broken piece, if that fails, drill a small hole and screw the screw into the hole, it should grip and unlock the door without causing too much damage.

MWT

Can you post a photo, or describe it in more detail?

Octopus are right though, it isn't something they can help you with unfortunately, it is down to the property owner to resolve...

Hasbeen

KGRyder said:

Hi all,
I moved into a rented flat in October last year and soon noticed that the lock to my electric box was sheered off. I contacted the electric company (Octopus) who informed me it was the landlords responsibility. I contacted my estate agents (Purplebricks) on the 2nd January and was told the landlord was on his way immediately to fix it. 

Needless to say he wasn’t. It’s now April and I’ve just been charged £200 for 1 months electricity because I haven’t given them a meter reading. This has gone up from £11.05 in January. 

I really need to get into that electric box but the estate agents / landlord are useless. How can I get in? I’ve tried glueing a pen lid to the broken lock but nothing has worked!

Push large screwdriver in between door and side opposite lock and prize apart to pop door.

Talldave

Withold the rent. You'll be amazed how it will suddenly get fixed.

Robin9

KGRyder - how did you get into it in October to take your initial reading 

so you could notify the original supplier and then switch to Octopus.

KGRyder

Robin9 said:

KGRyder - how did you get into it in October to take your initial reading 

so you could notify the original supplier and then switch to Octopus.

We didn't, the check in inspector did. When I went to double check his meter reading was correct I noticed that the door lock was broken. 

tim_p

This might explain the surprisingly low Jan bill. 

Robin9

What "inspector"  - someone from the agents/landlord/caretaker ?  
PS Its only a fibreglass door - easy to open with a bit of force. 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

was the Jan bill of £11.05 from when you moved in October?