False meter reading for electricity

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   Ok I know I should have checked out the tenants and taken meter readings whilst they were there, but I was ill and couldn't get to the property.  As they "appeared" to be decent people, I was not too concerned!!!  LOL!!

However, I now find, after they have moved out that they gave an incorrect electricty meter reading to the utility company,(a much lower figure than the reading I eventually took) and I have received a bill for £78 for electricity I have not used.  The property has been empty and during my time making repairs etc. I have hardly used any electricity.  To complicate matters, prior to receiving the bill, I started a changeover to anther Utility company so nobody seems interested in my dilemma.  I have written to the original supplier (recorded delivery) and explained the situation two weeks ago, but have not had any reply.  Anyone know where I stand with this?

Tenants also had changed the Gas Meter to a Token meter without asking me, so at least no surprise Gas Bill to look forward to...........but surely this is not right that a tenant can do this?

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A1landlord Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 29 September 2009 Location: Sussex Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Quote Reply Topic: False meter reading for electricity Posted: 03 November 2009 at 2:35pm
	Ok I know I should have checked out the tenants and taken meter readings whilst they were there, but I was ill and couldn't get to the property. As they "appeared" to be decent people, I was not too concerned!!! LOL!! However, I now find, after they have moved out that they gave an incorrect electricty meter reading to the utility company,(a much lower figure than the reading I eventually took) and I have received a bill for £78 for electricity I have not used. The property has been empty and during my time making repairs etc. I have hardly used any electricity. To complicate matters, prior to receiving the bill, I started a changeover to anther Utility company so nobody seems interested in my dilemma. I have written to the original supplier (recorded delivery) and explained the situation two weeks ago, but have not had any reply. Anyone know where I stand with this? Tenants also had changed the Gas Meter to a Token meter without asking me, so at least no surprise Gas Bill to look forward to...........but surely this is not right that a tenant can do this?

Richlist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List The 2,000 Posts Club Joined: 01 January 2007 Location: UK/Spain/France Online Status: Offline Posts: 3320	Quote Reply Posted: 03 November 2009 at 2:48pm
	Other than sympathy I'm not quite sure what you want from me. You, by you own admission were far to trusting and failed to take a meter reading so, its difficult to see how its anyones fault but yours. If you were ill, couldn't you have asked a partner, friend or family member to do the necessary ? In your shoes I'd pay the bill and put it down to experience. Claim the cost against expenses and the £78 will cost you £62 if your a basic rate taxpayer or only £46 if you pay tax at 40%.
	Comments assume you're in England/Wales, pay under £2083 monthly rent and that your last AST was dated after 6/4/2007. Probably the best landlord in the world - well if its good enough for Carlsberg.

False meter reading for electricity

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