When does liability end for paying the energy bills of a deceased person?

Keep_pedalling

If the LA end up clearing the flat they will also bill the estate for the clearance, but again the OP does not have an obligation to pay it personally. 

AnnikaJuarez

Due to managing many properties and the logistics involved, social landlords might not check the meter right when the keys are returned. This is even more true if the property needs cleaning or repairs first. They have a lot to manage and might not get to each property immediately for such tasks.

Spendless

Hi. I used to work for the housing dept of my local council. Where I worked the tenancy ended when the correct  notice was given AND the key handed back (sometimes tenants or their relatives would complain about rent being charged and not understand it was because keys handed been handed back in - always get a receipt). I'd given no thought to who pays the utility bills between one tenant leaving and another starting (I didn't work in that department). I would ring the council concerned and ask the questions. Even if they say they need proof first that you are the administrator/executor so can't provide details concerning this particular case, they will be able to to talk  'around' the subject and give general info as to what usually happens

BikingBud

AnnikaJuarez said:

Due to managing many properties and the logistics involved, social landlords might not check the meter right when the keys are returned. This is even more true if the property needs cleaning or repairs first. They have a lot to manage and might not get to each property immediately for such tasks.

That's a rather weak excuse.

Managing properties includes taking meter readings on vacation.

That said I would take my own readings and ensure the LL and the utility companies are informed.

KxMx

My social housing LL doesn't get involved in meter readings.
When I signed for my flat I took a reading and informed the current supplier upon taking over the account. They then "zeroed" the account, so no amount was outstanding and I paid for usage from the opening figures I gave them.

BikingBud

KxMx said:

My social housing LL doesn't get involved in meter readings.
When I signed for my flat I took a reading and informed the current supplier upon taking over the account. They then "zeroed" the account, so no amount was outstanding and I paid for usage from the opening figures I gave them.

So how are void periods managed? Do they accept what the tenant has submitted?

KxMx

BikingBud said:

KxMx said:

My social housing LL doesn't get involved in meter readings.
When I signed for my flat I took a reading and informed the current supplier upon taking over the account. They then "zeroed" the account, so no amount was outstanding and I paid for usage from the opening figures I gave them.

So how are void periods managed? Do they accept what the tenant has submitted?

I've no idea, you'd have to ask the energy suppliers as I said my LL doesn't get involved. 
British Gas accepted my meter readings as the start of my usage, and cancelled any outstanding money owed on the account. 

AnnikaJuarez

The same thing with me. But I think they should take readings as apart of their interest. The same for tenants. It's a part of their interest.

Savvy_Sue

It strikes me as possible that the energy companies are prepared to forego any charges during void periods for social landlords, on the grounds that use should be minimal, voids should be as short as potential, and going after an entity like a social landlord may not be cost-effective. 

Water company with us just didn't charge after death notified. Presumably started billing the buyer...

BikingBud

Savvy_Sue said:

It strikes me as possible that the energy companies are prepared to forego any charges during void periods for social landlords, on the grounds that use should be minimal, voids should be as short as potential, and going after an entity like a social landlord may not be cost-effective. 

Water company with us just didn't charge after death notified. Presumably started billing the buyer...

If that works for the utilities but as the incoming tenant I would again; be certain where my liability started, be taking meter readings and providing them to the companies and the landlord. 

 However, I feel we have gone off track, the sad but factual piece from the OP:

 Dad's body was in an uttatended flat, with the heating apparently on high, round the clock for some time (maybe several weeks.)

The final bill is already very high as a result of this, and I'd like to know if there is anything that can be done to prevent the bill climbing even higher, or any way of ending the liabilty sooner.

There is a significant charge to be covered, the thread is a week old now, and the OP does not appear to have returned, perhaps the OP could advise if and how this has been resolved. @Shadweller