Landlord refuses access to electric meter and massive bill threats

spannerzone

Hi all,
I'm asking this for a friend who is in a endless loop with British Gas and incorrect / unproven meter readings and inability for BG to check and upgrade to smart meter. He moved in 6 months ago and got setup with BGas, from day 1 the landlord has refused access to the meters (communal as a few other flats) and he supplies a photo of the meter when requested... well only when reminded over and over. The picture shows his meter (presumed) and others can be seen off screen so looks like more than 3 exist at least)

The meters appear tucked away either in a cellar or locked room so unaccessible...realistically what can you do when the landlord is being evasive, utterly unhelpful and possible deliberately deceptive if he's up to no good?

My worry is the previous tenenant left with a massively understated reading and now my pal is getting lumbered.

Any help/thoughts much appreciated - I am a little vague on the details so apologies!

elsien

How long has your friend lived there for and what evidence does he have for the meter reading when he moved in?

Gerry1

If you don't read the meters yourself the day you take possession you're likely to end up paying for use by the previous occupier and / or a void period (for which the landlord is responsible).

Never rely on a lettings agent, landlord or anyone else reading your meter for you (except an official meter reader).

Your friend should insist on seeing his meter (supervised if necessary) to check the serial number is the same as on his bill.  Ideally do the Meter Sanity Test as well.

Gerry1

As a last resort...

https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/complaints

spannerzone

elsien said:

How long has your friend lived there for and what evidence does he have for the meter reading when he moved in?

Hi, about 6 months since moving in and I am certain the only evidence they had of the meter reading was provided as a photo from the landlord. Unfortunately I've only just been made aware of the situation otherwise would have insisted they gained access to see the reading for themselves.

spannerzone

Gerry1 said:

If you don't read the meters yourself the day you take possession you're likely to end up paying for use by the previous occupier and / or a void period (for which the landlord is responsible).

Never rely on a lettings agent, landlord or anyone else reading your meter for you (except an official meter reader).

Your friend should insist on seeing his meter (supervised if necessary) to check the serial number is the same as on his bill.  Ideally do the Meter Sanity Test as well.

Yes that's what I suspect has happened and I'm only finding out 6 months later....my friend is a bit naive about renting and too trusting! I have suggested a number of things....

Thanks for all replies

aaiiee

Are the photos clear enough to see the serail number? If so, your friend could check this against the bill.

Vegastare

Maybe you could bring this to B G attention, the landlord could not refuse entry to a supplier to access meter.
It is against the law to deny this.
Hope this helps

spannerzone

aaiiee said:

Are the photos clear enough to see the serail number? If so, your friend could check this against the bill.

Yes the serial number of the meter is visible.... good point, I'll ask!

spannerzone

Vegastare said:

Maybe you could bring this to B G attention, the landlord could not refuse entry to a supplier to access meter.
It is against the law to deny this.
Hope this helps

Yes I suggested they contact BG with all the info they have, from the first move in data reading (photo) and so on...and make it clear the landlord refuses entry or help and to ask BG for their assistance.

HillStreetBlues

Has the metadata of the photo been checked for date?