PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Warrant of entry for HMO (Electric bill)

Options
Hi Guys!! 
Wasn't sure whether to post here or in the Energy section, but feel this is more appropriate...
I live in a HMO. Terraced house, 5 rooms (units) for 5 'households' managed by agents on behalf of the property owner. 
We got a letter to 'The Occupier' today which I opened, and it is SSE notifying of application for a warrant for an electric bill. We have been here before.. last year sometime I went downstairs and they had entered the house on a warrant due to an unpaid bill which I believe was in the property owners name, and were accessing room 1 which has the meters in. 'Luckily' they couldn't change the meter due to safety concerns, I managed to contact the property agents during this, and I presume things were sorted out as we haven't heard anything til now - but have continued to receive a few SSE letters (bills?) in a few names since.

Upon receiving the letter today, I rang SSE and explained the situation. Then rang the agents to do the same - was promptly told off for opening letters not addressed to me (I'm an occupier.. so I opened it!) and then they asked me what the problem would be for me if a pay meter was installed. Ummm... if it's a bill for the property owner, then bills shouldn't be sent here as he is not a resident, and if the bill is for an ex tenant, we shouldn't be expected to pay their bills... plus, how can they expect 5 seperate households to be happy going PAYG when bills are included in our rents, and would rely on unfettered access to the meter which is in one of the other tenants room?! 

I'm not sure where to go for advice on this to try and stop this happening again.

Thanks for any help :) 
«1

Comments

  • Write (yes WRITE/email) to landlord (yes LANDLORD, copy agent, keep copy, about this and any other issues using the guidance and draft letter on Shelter's excellent website - see

    If not sorted promptly take further advice from Shelter website or helpline 0808 800 4444 and also contact the HMO department of YOUR local council.

  • The agents will not give details for the property owner, as all dealings regarding the property are to be done through the agents.

    I guess the council could be a good port of call...
  • Comms69
    Comms69 Posts: 14,229 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    The agents have no choice, but in anycase - it's time to find somewhere new
  • princeofpounds
    princeofpounds Posts: 10,396 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    In the meantime, point to the agents the part in your contract where it says 'bills included', and say that if a prepayment meter is installed, then everyone will be paying less rent to compensate for the expenditure (keep records!).

    Plus, of course you can open the mail. It was addressed to occupants of the house. For good reason.

    Also, Section 1 LL & T Act 1985:

    Disclosure of landlord’s identity.

    (1)If the tenant of premises occupied as a dwelling makes a written request for the landlord’s name and address to—

    (a)any person who demands, or the last person who received, rent payable under the tenancy, or

    (b)any other person for the time being acting as agent for the landlord, in relation to the tenancy,

    that person shall supply the tenant with a written statement of the landlord’s name and address within the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which he receives the request.

    (2)A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with subsection (1) commits a summary offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

  • As the prepayment meter would be set up to pay the debt you have already paid when paying your bill inclusive rent, I wouldn't allow that at all.  But the utility company won't be interested that you have already paid the LL for the utilities  I'd do all I could to move out.
  • greatcrested
    greatcrested Posts: 5,925 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    As advised above, write (yes a letter) to the landlord at the address provided to you by law 'for serving notices'. If no such address, no need to pay rent. ( Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 section 48)
    Enclose a copy of your tenancy agreement, highlighting the section/clause saying utilitiy bills are included.
    Send a copy to the agent.
    If you want the LL's actual address (as opposed to his addres 'for serving notices') write to the agent quoting the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 section 1.




  • 45002
    45002 Posts: 802 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 16 October 2020 at 5:31PM
    Perique said:
    The agents will not give details for the property owner, as all dealings regarding the property are to be done through the agents.

    I guess the council could be a good port of call...

    I don't think they can fit a pre payment meter in licenced HMO  on landlords supply ?
    Check with the local council if they try again to fit a pre payment meter.

    Search the land registry for the property owner, only cost £3.00 https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QuickEnquiryInit.do




    Advice given on Assured and Regulated Tenancy, Further advice should always be sought from a Solicitor....
  • Thank you for all your input so far :D 

    Sorry for the late response. I have emailed the councils rental dept, asking for help from their HMO savvy bods.. still awaiting a reply.

    I emailed the agents asking for the landlords details, and soon got a phone call back saying I wan't entitled to that information. I had to put the phone down on them as it wasn't a nice conversation.

    Thanks again :) I'll keep you posted! 

  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 22 October 2020 at 8:38PM
    Which is why you need to write to the agent (not email) pointing out that witholding the LL's address is a criminal offence. Quote the relevant legislation and say that you will be reporting them if they do not comply within the 21 days allowed (Section 1 of the Act applies).
    The request must be in writing, not by email.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • Jumblebumble
    Jumblebumble Posts: 1,982 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 23 October 2020 at 1:06PM
    macman said:
    Which is why you need to write to the agent (not email) pointing out that witholding the LL's address is a criminal offence. Quote the relevant legislation and say that you will be reporting them if they do not comply within the 21 days allowed (Section 1 of the Act applies).
    The request must be in writing, not by email.
    Perhaps it would help if you advised the OP  to whom they should  report the breach of section 1
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 257K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.