Energy Company

[hutchst]

I've just sold my house. The Tenant moved out in June and sale completed end September. The electricity supply contract was in the tenants name.

I contacted the energy company to arrange to pay any charges for the period the house was empty. They sent me a bill for £49 mainly for standing charges and a small amount of consumption. Fair enough.

But the total bill they've sent me is over £100 and includes £52 charges for late payment.

Is there some legislation that covers this (I've been living abroad for a few years)? I dont have a contract with the energy company so don't have any agreed payment terms.

[anonymous-user]

What are the extra charges for and have you failed to pay within specified times.

Surely the tenant would have given a closing meter reading and then the supply responsibility would revert to you?

[hutchst]

garyhun said:

What are the extra charges for and have you failed to pay within specified times.

Surely the tenant would have given a closing meter reading and then the supply responsibility would revert to you?

Why would it automatically revert to me, and on what terms, in the absence of a contract?

[Matthew-ztpde]

hutchst said:

Why would it automatically revert to me, and on what terms, in the absence of a contract?

Look up deemed contracts, it would fall to you once the tenancy ends.

Edit: this said it seems difficult to see how they could justify late charges between June and September. That side is likely worth challenging with them.

Edited by Matthew-ztpde on Friday 4th October 18:13

[A205GTI]

I had this with an empty property, final warning etc... but it turned out they were estimating the bill not reading the meter!

so check the wording on the document and ring them if needed.

[Short Grain]

Years ago I rented a house from a work colleague on a 'mates rates' sort of basis! She and her husband had just got jobs as live in pub landlords and needed a tenant for their house, I needed somewhere to live after splitting from my then Girlfriend! (that could be a thread of it's own but I digress) We had a 'Mates Rates' written 'contract' stating rent was all inclusive at a rate that covered their mortgage, and it was during summer so no heating used at all! We were supposed to be friends, helping each other out!

After a couple of months, I got a gas bill, addressed to me, that included arrears and late payment charges from before I'd even moved in!!! Rang the company to be told my 'Landlord' ex colleagues had switched it into my name with a phone call!! (this was way before GDPR)

My then boss had a friend who was / is a Barrister who drafted me 2 letters, FOC, one for gas company, who are very British , one for my ex colleagues / landlords / friends, that had it switched back with no problems, and an apology from said very British company!! I did move out within a couple of days so ex friends had to cover the mortgage themselves.

Yeah, I know, a Barrister working Pro Bono!! The guy was / is a real 'character' and I think he just enjoyed putting the fear of God up 'em!!

Bloody Hell, turned into quite a rant!! Sorry!