Landlords and EPC targets – Tenants want improved homes but not higher rents
3 years ago | 23 comments
Chased by a utility company?
12:02 AM, 24th October 2023, 3 years ago
13
Hello, cutting a long story short. Out of the blue, I received an unexpected electricity bill from Scottish Power for £1233 (interest and debt costs added) going back over 4 years in relation to a commercial property I rented out.
It would appear that the tenant may not have paid for his electricity. Bearing in mind over this time I had not received any correspondence from Scottish Power, no emails, letters or any type of correspondence. It’s now got to the point that the Debt Company has instructed Solicitors with the view of Court Proceedings.
I don’t as far as I am aware have contact with Scottish Power my details were obtained through Companies House. If this sort of thing has happened to you where do I stand? Am I liable for somebody else’s bill as the owner of the property or are they trying bullying tactics to get me to pay?
Thanks,
David
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Member Since February 2022 - Comments: 206
8:08 AM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Not sure if commercial lets are any different but the bills I assume were not in your(& company name). If you have a tenancy agreement for the period let then surly this is sufficient proof for them to leave you alone.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 559
11:02 AM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Firstly, refer to the lease and check that the tenant is responsible. If so, refer back to Scottish Power and provide them with full details.
If SP pursue you, you’d be within your rights to sue the tenant for costs.
Hopefully you told SP of the new tenant when they moved in; that would have ended your liability as responsible person. If not, then you may be on a learning curve.
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 10
11:03 AM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
I thought Utility Companies could only chase debts up to 12 months ?
Member Since July 2021 - Comments: 9
11:07 AM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Also, refer the the ofgem Backbilling rule (12 months)
“You can’t be charged for gas or electricity used more than 12 months ago if you have not been correctly billed for it, or informed about it via a statement of account, before.“
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/check-energy-back-billing-rules
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 410
12:09 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
You did take meter readings when the property was let and advise SP of new tenant details?
Otherwise have SP invoices in your name been sent to the property and ignored or disregarded by the tenant who claims that this was your responsibility because invoices in your name?
Comments: 13
12:55 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 85
12:58 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Scottish Power are the pits. They are also chasing me via their debt collectors, but refuse to send me an itemized bill. Very good on harassment, rubbish on doing their job.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1102 - Articles: 1
5:07 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
I am not sure that some of the advice so far is correct in relation to a commercial supply contract.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 410
6:46 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
So what advice applies to commercial contracts?
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 1102 - Articles: 1
7:03 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Kizzie at 24/10/2023 – 18:46
Check the contractual position but don’t assume that you will have the benefit of consumer protection rules and regulations.