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 September 2022 - Comments: 15
7:20 PM, 24th October 2023, About 3 years ago
Contact the Ombudsman.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3538 - Articles: 5
3:15 PM, 25th October 2023, About 3 years ago
check if it is an actual commercial supply first. If you dont use over a certain amount of energy then it wont class as commercial use anyway so will be on residential rates. If this is the case then the Ofgem 12 month rule applies IF you are deemed to pay it in the first place.
If you have evidence to prove the time period they are talking about was let then you are not responsible anyway!
Before you go to Ombudsman you have to to have received a ‘final response’ from the supplier. Ombudsman will not open a claim until you are in receipt of this and show them as evidence of the same.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 39
8:07 AM, 28th October 2023, About 2 years ago
we have exactly the same
after trying to deal informally, we threatened ombudsman and legal action as we have never entered into a contract with the company and clear evidence was electronically sent that proves the supplier knows the tenant is legally responsible (tenant is still in situ)
we did pressure the tenant too