Gas bill- what if you do not pay?
Question:A person I know wants to leave UK not paying for the gas bill. I am contrary but the bill is in her name so i can't do much. Is the landlord responsible for paying? will they allow next occupiers to use gas with the same company ? Should I tell the landlord?
Answers:
The person whose name is on the bill and account is responsible for payment. When I was a student and I lived in a shared house the bill was in the name of all tenants, or if not it was noted on the account by the supplier. When someone moved out we amended that, as with council tax that states who in the property are jointly responsible.
The supplier should not be problematic, take a reading when you move in and give thnat to the supplier and you should be billed from that time.
Any questions or worries try energywatch the gas and electricity consumer watchdog. Link below - Good luck!
The gas company probably will give the new tenants a hard time even thought they have nothing to do w/ it. I know for a fact a phone company will take a large deposit from a new tenant because the old tenant screwed up.
The next occupant should make it clear to the gas supplier they have nothing to do with the previous occupant. New account, clean slate. Get a reference from the landlord if required.
Depending on how much the person owes the gas company will go to court and get a county court judgement. This will incur fees and costs.
They can then contact a solicitor in whatever country the person resides in. Or it will be waiting for them if they come back.
If its only a gas bill then then amounts probably wouldn't warrant the above and it will just cause a credit problem.
What a damn cheek! If she used it she should pay. Everyone else has to. That`s theft.
take a gas reading the day that you take over the tenancy, call the supplier with the reading and your details, this should start your own account with them in your name from that day.
The landlord won't be responsible for payment although he should be made aware of the problem. That way he will give a poor recommendation the next time your friend wants to rent a place. Eventually the gas company will get their money. They will take your friend to court, ruin his/her credit and the eventual cost will far outweigh the bill in question.You won't have any problem with the gas company as long as you changed the account into your name as soon as you moved in. They know it wasn't you and are required to provide you the service.
If you know of the address of the last person to use the gas then tell the gas company,if not its up to the gas company to find them,make sure you read the meter and get it read at the same time then pay the gas company,you should be alright
If its only a little bit just pay it and get it over and done with.
Or tell her they are demanding money from you and you need the money to pay them. Or if you can get away with it without any stress do that.
you will have to pay the bill or change it over to your name in witch you will have to put up a deposit . Do the cheeps way!
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