Early termination charges after receiving a Section 21 No Fault Eviction

Canarywary

Hi. We've just moved out of our rented house after being served a Section 21 No Fault Eviction (the owner apparently wanted to sell). We've subsequently been hit with early termination charges by Octopus Energy and TalkTalk broadband, because we're obviously not able to finish our contracts with them. Is there anything that can be done about this? It doesn't seem remotely fair that we're being punished for being evicted. I asked TalkTalk when I was cancelling the contract if we still had to pay the termination fee considering our situation, but the person on the phone said it didn't make any difference. It was only £60 so I didn't challenge it, but the Octopus charges are in 3 figures and we're much more keen to avoid them. Any help or pointers much appreciated.

Browntoa

Yes , don't sign up for a fixed rate tariff to avoid fees

FlorayG

Can you not transfer the existing tariff to your new place of residence?

Canarywary

FlorayG said:

Can you not transfer the existing tariff to your new place of residence?

We're both moving into other people's houses who already have their own contracts, otherwise I would definitely consider that.

Mark_d

Rental properties are often only short term commitments.  When I've been in rental it's never been for more than a year - usually just 6 months.  This should influence you decisions as to what items you want to buy, how much money you want to spend, and what contracts to sign up to.

If [the two of] you want to be in a rental property by yourselves, then why move in to other people's houses?  If you were simply going from one rental property to a similar property there would be no issue.  What is your plan?

PRAISETHESUN

I've been in this situation before and my experience is that most utility providers are happy to let you break the contract, provided you sign up for a new contract at your new address. Obviously this doesn't help if you won't/cant bring the contract with you though. You'll probably end up having to pay the exit fees in this instance I suspect.

saajan_12

This is arising from your choice to take out longer term utility contracts with a shorter term right to live in the property being supplied. Additionally your choice to move from that rental to somewhere that does not need the utility contract. 

Nothing unreasonable by the utility company, they aren't party to your agreements with the LL and your house moving plans. 

EssexHebridean

Assuming that you have moved out without causing your ex landlord any further hassle like it going to court etc (which I assume is the case as otherwise the process would have taken long enough that you wouldn't have signed up for the fixed deal) then as a starting point I would approach them on the basis of "we could have been a lot more difficult about this whole process, we are now out of pocket by these amounts, please would you consider covering them" and see what comes back. You may get either ignored, or a straight "no" but you have nothing to lose by asking. 

Ildhund

PRAISETHESUN said:

... most utility providers are happy to let you break the contract, provided you sign up for a new contract at your new address. 

OVO state expressly that
 
"You won’t have to pay an exit fee if:

• you cancel your energy plan because you’ve moved house;"

I'm a bit surprised that Octopus are less friendly.

MP1995

The reasons being entitled energy for fixed rate contracts will be bought in advance to fulfil that contract so breaking it early could indeed cost the supplier more (not always) but the best thing you can do is ask for their help and that's about it as lawfully you signed fixed term contracts that have to be seen out or early exit charges paid.

Gerry1

Submit a formal complaint each supplier.  It's unlikely to be worth taking it to the ombudsman, but a senior manager may be more sympathetic, if only to avoid the ombudsman's charges.