Warrant of entry for HMO (Electric bill)

Perique

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  

theartfullodger

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

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/how_to_report_repairs_to_a_private_landlord

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.

Perique

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

The agents have no choice, but in anycase - it's time to find somewhere new

princeofpounds

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.

[Deleted User]

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

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

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

Perique

Thank you for all your input so far  

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

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.

Jumblebumble

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