Billed £280 per month for electricity!

Robin9

I am one of those who has made mistakes  - reading the meter wrongly (twice !!) and have got the T-shirt. Bad choices of cars was another -  my first new car was a Wedge !!
Like the OP when I moved into my first home considering how the heating (storage rads) worked was not at the top of my list. Top was freedom, independence, could I afford it. I didn't actually have a choice as the flat share was provided by my employer.

As years have gone on my list is still topped by Location, Location, Location and can I afford to buy it.  How it is heated and what it might cost to run was still well down the list and still is. My next move is likely to be sheltered accommodation and I won't have the choice  - it'll be electric and any idea of installing gas just isn't an option.

Talldave

Your gender shouldn't be relevant but sadly it does mean you might find yourself being treated in a more patronising manner.  My other half is your age and I've had to educate her on how this all works, so there's no shame in not knowing it all on day 1.

At the risk of stealing Tom Allen's material (and appreciating that it probably wasn't relevant for you if you didn't go to school here), our education system really should warn youngsters that estate agents and landlords are mostly liars (and incompetent idiots) as well as covering the concept of energy purchase - metering, billing, switching.

aleksandramcr

Thought you might find this interesting: 

"Hi Alex

I'm afraid to say that the landlord has advised that he is not prepared to answer your queries. Should there be an urgent maintenance issue that requires attention then, of course, he remains prepared to send a relevant contractor to rectify this.
I’m also sorry to have to tell you that the landlord has now instructed us to serve you with notice to vacate."
This a response to vital question e.g. what is the cable voltage in my underfloor heating, what is the floor build? Is to concrete or timber? Has a thermal underfloor insulation board been installed? which I've been waiting on since Tuesday. 
Washed his hands of. 

bsms1147

aleksandramcr said:

Thought you might find this interesting: 

"Hi Alex

I'm afraid to say that the landlord has advised that he is not prepared to answer your queries. Should there be an urgent maintenance issue that requires attention then, of course, he remains prepared to send a relevant contractor to rectify this.
I’m also sorry to have to tell you that the landlord has now instructed us to serve you with notice to vacate."
This a response to vital question e.g. what is the cable voltage in my underfloor heating, what is the floor build? Is to concrete or timber? Has a thermal underfloor insulation board been installed? which I've been waiting on since Tuesday. 
Washed his hands of. 

Thanks for the update Alex
It's annoying, but that's the risk of private rentals, especially when you 'annoy' your landlord, however right you may be.
Do make sure the landlord is doing things by the book, coronavirus means that some things relating to this area have changed. I'm not an expert but as I understand it you should now have at least a three month notice period, so you should be good until August.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877744/Technical_Guidance_COVID_19_PRS_v4.pdf

aleksandramcr

Hi, 
Thanks - yes I have been given 3 months to move and I've already sent a request for a few viewings, I will need to wait until all agents are allowed viewings. It looks like only some agencies are offering online viewings. 
Thank you

Gerry1

Make sure the new place has gas central heating and a good EPC rating!