you dont have to be both to answer this question, but i need input from all on this.
our tenant has finally moved out (long story - see here: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=219310&highlight=tenant )
and i'd be jumping for joy, if not for the following problem (one of many little problems, but this one stands out most)
we went in to check the property last night and discovered the tenant had a pre-payment electricity meter installed.
we were completely unaware of this. i understand that the tenant has the right to choose their own supplier etc etc, but it is a physical change to the property and would require notifying the landlord/property owner of this would it not as there is potential for damage to be caused.
i know its illegal to deny tenants to change supplier - however that's not my argument.
i've done a small amount of research into this and we may or may not be charged to change this back to a credit meter (monthly direct debit tariff).
i dont want it, so it will need changing. however, my questions are:
1: since no notice of this was given, can i claim any charges (should there be) when we come to change it back?
2: it seems the old isolator switch (the one that turns all electricity off) has gone and has the prepayment meter in its place (we still have a fuse box, just no 'master switch' that kills all the electric). its an old building, so it was pretty dated anyway, but it means i have no way of cutting off the electric it seems other than removing the fuses (which look old and delicate!)....
this is just another thorn in our side that's made the whole experience of renting rather disgusting.
hope someone has some clearer answers than what the interweb has been providing...
meh.
our tenant has finally moved out (long story - see here: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=219310&highlight=tenant )
and i'd be jumping for joy, if not for the following problem (one of many little problems, but this one stands out most)
we went in to check the property last night and discovered the tenant had a pre-payment electricity meter installed.
we were completely unaware of this. i understand that the tenant has the right to choose their own supplier etc etc, but it is a physical change to the property and would require notifying the landlord/property owner of this would it not as there is potential for damage to be caused.
i know its illegal to deny tenants to change supplier - however that's not my argument.
i've done a small amount of research into this and we may or may not be charged to change this back to a credit meter (monthly direct debit tariff).
i dont want it, so it will need changing. however, my questions are:
1: since no notice of this was given, can i claim any charges (should there be) when we come to change it back?
2: it seems the old isolator switch (the one that turns all electricity off) has gone and has the prepayment meter in its place (we still have a fuse box, just no 'master switch' that kills all the electric). its an old building, so it was pretty dated anyway, but it means i have no way of cutting off the electric it seems other than removing the fuses (which look old and delicate!)....
this is just another thorn in our side that's made the whole experience of renting rather disgusting.
hope someone has some clearer answers than what the interweb has been providing...
meh.