Meter faulty and tenant leaving

FlorayG

My tenant is leaving at the end of this month. She only yesterday told me the gas meter shows no readings, she's been paying estimated bills and trying to get Scottish Power to come and fix it for months. She had an appointment with them last week which they cancelled last minute.
Any suggestions? We have no idea what the actual gas consumption is. After she leaves can I just refuse to pay on the basis that SP have no proof that any gas has been used? What about the next tenant?

Keep_pedalling

I would call them on the day she moves out and tell them that the premises are unoccupied that the gas is turned off and that you should only be being charged the standing charge as no gas will be being used until the next tenant moves in. Also ask them to pull their finger out and get it fixed pronto. 

sheenas

Try reading the meter yourself. The meter might be blank for a number of reasons, user error flat battery (not user changeable) or just broken. Assuming she has an account it's the tenants debt, but going forward you need the readings. 

HillStreetBlues

As well as call I would also e-mail so you have a record.

FreeBear

Keep_pedalling said:

I would call them on the day she moves out and tell them that the premises are unoccupied that the gas is turned off and that you should only be being charged the standing charge as no gas will be being used until the next tenant moves in. Also ask them to pull their finger out and get it fixed pronto. 

Certainly turn the gas off at the meter. If it records any usage, you'll know it is faulty and needs replacing.