My tenant has put the electricity bills in my name without permission

Sabbir

Any advice on my situation would be appreciated. I have a restaurant tenant who is about £30k in arrears and I just found out today I think he has put the electricity bills in my name as I just got a letter from EDF that I have an account to pay the electricity.

The tenancy contract which in the 1954 tenancies act is coming to end in 31st Jan 2025

I was thinking of just asking him to leave peacefully and to write off as much of his debts as possible.

Or should I take hard approach and report him to the police and let EDF know he has put my name on the account without permission and I have a tenancy contract to show he should be paying?

Any suggestions please. Thanks.

user1977

Crazy idea, but why not speak to EDF about it? I can't see the police being interested in a dispute between landlord and tenant.

pinkshoes

The police won't do anything as it's a civil matter. 

I'd let EDF know the details of the tenant and make it clear that the property is rented.

As for the rent arrears, this is a consumer rights forum and you have a business to business contract so it will entirely depend on the nature of your own contract agreed with this tenant, and whether the tenant has assets. 

Mark_d

Speak to EDF first and explain the situation.  £30k sounds like a lot of debt to write off

Jude57

I'd also be speaking to the Council to make sure the Business Rates account hasn't also been put in your name.

Sabbir

Thanks every one that is great advice