Can Landlord change energy supplier?

roaduser3189

Long story short, we have been renting almost last 2 years and found out last week LL wants to sell house. From my previous threads you can see some of the events that have gone on. 

We have received our section 21 notice today, with the notice expiring on 29th December. There is a letter from the letting agents at the front stating that the landlord has requested that the energy supplier will be changed the following day (30th), once a switch happens it cant be stopped. 

We are and have been responsible for all utilities since we have been here. If we are in a situation whereby we stay beyond  29th Dec and hence after the notice period, can the supplier be changed by the LL? 

anselld

It doesnt sound like a supplier switch because they take place in 21 days once initiated and only the current account holder can initiate.

It sounds like the L is proposing to take the utilities account into his/her name on that date.  Again, the utilities dont tend to process such requests in advance for the very reason that things are liable to change.  It is also unlikely that the L would take responsibility for the utility accounts if you are still resident.

So I would say it is a bluff, and possibly verging on being harassment to leave on the requested date.  ie Ignore.

molerat

Sounds more like the LL / LA not having a clue.

roaduser3189

anselld said:

It doesnt sound like a supplier switch because they take place in 21 days once initiated and only the current account holder can initiate.

It sounds like the L is proposing to take the utilities account into his/her name on that date.  Again, the utilities dont tend to process such requests in advance for the very reason that things are liable to change.  It is also unlikely that the L would take responsibility for the utility accounts if you are still resident.

So I would say it is a bluff, and possibly verging on being harassment to leave on the requested date.  ie Ignore.

That was my understanding also- that as account holders we were the ones who could initiate the switch , not the agent or LL.  I do see it as a way to harass us into leaving on or by a certain date . As it was a letter from the lettings agent, I thought they should know better. That's why I'm questioning if I'm the one who is misunderstanding the situation and that suppliers can be switched without our consent or knowledge. 

Bertles

If the landlord does try to switch suppliers then your current suppliers should email you to let you know and you can phone them to object to the switch.

If you are too late to object you can call them and advise that you didn't initiate a switch and they can get the supplies back for you. 

They might just mean that on the 30th they will set up an account with the current supplier in their name but until you move out you will still be responsible for the bills.

It sounds like they are a bit clueless so I would advise making sure you take photos of the gas and electricity meters, date stamped, and showing the reads and serial number just in case there is a dispute, and to prove the correct reads when you close the account down.

theartfullodger

Section 21 does not end tenancy nor compel tenant to leave. Even selling the place does not end tenancy nor compel tenant to leave - new owner simply becomes new landlord, even if outside with huge removals van, 3 screaming kids & hubby going bonkers.

If current landlord really wants to sell he'll be motivated to "encourage" you (lots pf ££££ ) to go. IMHO several £k.

Why on earth would owner want supplier changed if he's selling?? Why would tye care who supplier was??  I doubt he is actually selling.  If he really does want change he can do so after you have left & tenancy ended, not before.

LL sounds like a twit

Artful: Landlord since 2000.

Slinky

Sounds like something is badly worded or has been misinterpreted. What is the actual wording of what you have received?

chanz4

As you are responsible for the bills, tell your current energy provider you have not authorized the switch they will block

chanz4

theartfullodger said:

Section 21 does not end tenancy nor compel tenant to leave. Even selling the place does not end tenancy nor compel tenant to leave - new owner simply becomes new landlord, even if outside with huge removals van, 3 screaming kids & hubby going bonkers.

If current landlord really wants to sell he'll be motivated to "encourage" you (lots pf ££££ ) to go. IMHO several £k.

Why on earth would owner want supplier changed if he's selling?? Why would tye care who supplier was??  I doubt he is actually selling.  If he really does want change he can do so after you have left & tenancy ended, not before.

LL sounds like a twit

Artful: Landlord since 2000.

theartfullodger said:

Section 21 does not end tenancy nor compel tenant to leave. Even selling the place does not end tenancy nor compel tenant to leave - new owner simply becomes new landlord, even if outside with huge removals van, 3 screaming kids & hubby going bonkers.

If current landlord really wants to sell he'll be motivated to "encourage" you (lots pf ££££ ) to go. IMHO several £k.

Why on earth would owner want supplier changed if he's selling?? Why would tye care who supplier was??  I doubt he is actually selling.  If he really does want change he can do so after you have left & tenancy ended, not before.

LL sounds like a twit

Artful: Landlord since 2000.

some give them kickbacks to change

Norman_Castle

roaduser3189 said:

We have received our section 21 notice today, with the notice expiring on 29th December. There is a letter from the letting agents at the front stating that the landlord has requested that the energy supplier will be changed the following day (30th), once a switch happens it cant be stopped. 

Is that a convoluted way of threatening to cut the supply without actually saying that?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/problems-with-your-energy-supply/youve-been-switched-to-a-new-energy-supplier-without-your-agreement/

roaduser3189

"Please note,  your landlord has requested that the energy supply at the property be switched to a new supplier once you have left the property . The supply will therefore be switched the day after you vacate on 29/12/2021. Once a switch is in progress it cannot be stopped. If the date you are leaving the property changes for any reason, please advise us at the earliest possible opportunity so we can manage the switch date and ensure that you do not experience any interruption to your services"