Utilities in student house

afis1904

My partner is moving into a student house in July which wasn't advertised as bills included initially. The tenancy agreement says the following: 

Pay a fair proportion of all charges, based on the length of the tenancy, including water and sewerage charges, rates and assessments (but of an annual or recurring nature only) and for all gas, electricity, oil or solid fuel consumed on the Property (including all fixed and standing charges, including any Green Deal cost) and all charges for the telephone and broadband charges during the Term of this agreement. If the Landlord is held responsible by law for the payment of any of these bills the Tenant agrees to refund to the Landlord the amount covering the Term of this tenancy

Does anyone know what that actually means in practice as it's not written quite clearly?

Slithery

Perfectly clear. Your partner and the other tenants are liable for all of the bills.

afis1904

That's what I thought but the 'fair proportion' bit threw me off as my tenancy agreement with the same agency just states a list of what I'm liable for (everything). Is this just a common joint tenancy formulation?

greatcrested

It's perfectly clear.

Annual charges (eg council tax sewerage etc) must be paid pro rata eg 10/12th if tenant stays there 10 months.

Other variable bills depending on usage (eg gas,oil, phone etc) are paid by the tenant.

If the law makes the landlord pay (eg in the case of council tax in an HMO), then the LL can pass on that charge to the tenant.

afis1904

Yes, I didn't think about it like that. Thanks a lot for your help

davidmcn

An "equal proportion" or something like that would at least be clearer than a "fair" proportion, which is just asking for arguments about how the consumption of energy etc can be attributed to each resident.

dimbo61

Your partner and the other students need to complete the student exemption form online with the local council tax office.
Someone needs to take responsibility and order the broadband and put his/her name on the bill ! Otherwise it may take weeks before the broadband is installed. BT fibre with Youview and Sport can be a good deal.
Shop round for the best energy provider and deal. 
Getting everyone to pay a fair share can break up many good friendships.
GREEN DEAL ??? Hopefully not as this means very expensive energy costs.
Be careful of " split the bills  " and such companies recommended by the letting agents.
Do your research 

TripleH

Might also be worth multiple people taking responsibility for bills rather than just 1 person having them all in 1 name.