Fair usage costs of utilities included in rent seem rather low

melb

hi there within the rental contract of a 1 bed flat which includes all utilities, the 'fair usage' for electric is £54 and the gas is £24 a month, over which the tenant has to pay any extra over and above this.  There are no details about how much extra each KW of electric or therm of gas (if these are the correct terms) are charged at by the landlord. 

I have never lived in a 1 bed flat but these seem very low to me.  Does anyone have any views on this please?  This could add quite a lot during the winter months.

Also in the contract it says that the tenant will have no control over the heating which is gas CH.  Is this usual in a block of probably about 20 flats, all rented out by the same landlord?

user1977

Actual costs to heat will depend on the size of the flat, how well insulated it is, what the local climate is, etc. Modern flats often don't need much heating. But I'd want control over it nonetheless, so would probably be looking elsewhere unless there's something special about this property...

theartfullodger

Sounds like a greedy landlord or agent trying to take unfair advantage.  Who'd have thought, eh!

Have a look at this from the experts...
https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_options/private_renting/unfair_terms_and_implied_conditions_in_tenancy_agreements

melb

thanks for your replies.  It is a block that looks like it was built in the 70s not sure of EPC rating and can't be sure re insulation etc

melb

this is a comment I put on y other thread on here regarding the same flat

just for anyone is interested I rang the lettings agency myself just out of interest.  Apparently there are 2 choices for paying rent - 1.  pay 3 month upfront or 2. pay a month upfront but also pay £250 for them to register your Guarantor.  Apparently they insist on a guarantor irrespective of your salary (I gave an example of £25,000 on a monthly rental of £650).  Doing a bit of research it seems this is becoming more and more common - nice little earner of £250 now that the old punitive fees and charges have been banned! 

dimbo61

While the government  is telling us that we need people to go back to work with thousands of now early  retired or not in employment over 50,s there is also lots of people being made redundant so having a job paying £25,000 a year is great you could lose it next month Hence the Guarantor. 
The charge is Bullxxxx 

Has each flat got a gas and electric meter ?
Can you get access  to read the meters 

melb

dimbo61 said:

While the government  is telling us that we need people to go back to work with thousands of now early  retired or not in employment over 50,s there is also lots of people being made redundant so having a job paying £25,000 a year is great you could lose it next month Hence the Guarantor. 
The charge is Bullxxxx 

Has each flat got a gas and electric meter ?
Can you get access  to read the meters 

not sure about the meters, it's a relative who looked round it and probably didn't think to ask

sourpuss2021

I guess £100 a month would be a more accurate estimate for gas and electricity for a 1 bed flat.

housebuyer143

melb said:

hi there within the rental contract of a 1 bed flat which includes all utilities, the 'fair usage' for electric is £54 and the gas is £24 a month, over which the tenant has to pay any extra over and above this.  There are no details about how much extra each KW of electric or therm of gas (if these are the correct terms) are charged at by the landlord. 

I have never lived in a 1 bed flat but these seem very low to me.  Does anyone have any views on this please?  This could add quite a lot during the winter months.

Also in the contract it says that the tenant will have no control over the heating which is gas CH.  Is this usual in a block of probably about 20 flats, all rented out by the same landlord?

I think the electric might be a little harsh. I have lived in a 2 bed and now a 4 bed and my electric usage has never changed. That is something that seems more geared toward personal usage than property size.

At today's prices I spend £120 a month on electric. But it used to be £55 back in 2021. I would be surprised if you can actually keep it at £54 tbh unless you are never there. Standing charges are almost £7 a week at the moment though.

melb

thank you for your comments, much appreciated

markin

Who wants to not have full control of the heating, And on a commercial rate.