I rent an unfurnished two bedroom flat. When I moved in 2 years ago, I was working in Belgium, and also rented a flat there. I needed a base in the UK for when I was home at weekends, so I could have the kids, and for occasional stays in the holidays etc.
To avoid the UK flat being empty, I sublet it to a friend who was away most weekends. He fed the cats, and, in return for a very cheap rent, paid the utility bills and council tax.
Some 6 months ago, I discovered I was to be made redundant, and discussed this with my housemate - he knew I'd be moving back. About 2 months ago, we fell out, and, when I returned the following weekend, he had moved out and left his keys behind. His e-mail address has been deleted, and his mobile number goes straight to voicemail - I guess he's chucked it away. The few mutual friends we had don't know where he's gone either, although they suspect Spain or Greece.
I have now moved in permanently, having been made redundant in Belgium. Last week, I received the electricity bill, addressed to 'the occupier'. On opening it I discovered that not only was there £700 outstanding, but also that the estimated meter reading on the bill way underestimated usage. I would imagine the bill will be closer to £2k. The gas bill arrived a couple of days later, and the situation is similar. I have also checked with the local council, and it is my name registered for council tax purposes (although not by me!), and needless to say, this hasn't been paid either. I suspect the water rates will be the same. It would appear that despite the agreement being that he paid the bills, he has not paid any at all, and I am now facing 2 years worth of utilities and council tax, which I can't afford to pay.
Does anyone happen to know where I stand on these bills? They were never in my name, and I have never been on the electoral register at this address. I have probably spent no more than 40 days here between signing the tenancy agreement and living here permanently about a month ago. I have a fairly informal letter from him agreeing to pay the utility bills dated 2 years ago, but is that likely to be legally sufficient?
Advice from anyonne with knowledge of such things would be greatly appreciated!
To avoid the UK flat being empty, I sublet it to a friend who was away most weekends. He fed the cats, and, in return for a very cheap rent, paid the utility bills and council tax.
Some 6 months ago, I discovered I was to be made redundant, and discussed this with my housemate - he knew I'd be moving back. About 2 months ago, we fell out, and, when I returned the following weekend, he had moved out and left his keys behind. His e-mail address has been deleted, and his mobile number goes straight to voicemail - I guess he's chucked it away. The few mutual friends we had don't know where he's gone either, although they suspect Spain or Greece.
I have now moved in permanently, having been made redundant in Belgium. Last week, I received the electricity bill, addressed to 'the occupier'. On opening it I discovered that not only was there £700 outstanding, but also that the estimated meter reading on the bill way underestimated usage. I would imagine the bill will be closer to £2k. The gas bill arrived a couple of days later, and the situation is similar. I have also checked with the local council, and it is my name registered for council tax purposes (although not by me!), and needless to say, this hasn't been paid either. I suspect the water rates will be the same. It would appear that despite the agreement being that he paid the bills, he has not paid any at all, and I am now facing 2 years worth of utilities and council tax, which I can't afford to pay.
Does anyone happen to know where I stand on these bills? They were never in my name, and I have never been on the electoral register at this address. I have probably spent no more than 40 days here between signing the tenancy agreement and living here permanently about a month ago. I have a fairly informal letter from him agreeing to pay the utility bills dated 2 years ago, but is that likely to be legally sufficient?
Advice from anyonne with knowledge of such things would be greatly appreciated!
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I'll have to call them all in the week and find out the damage.... and to think I thought I'd found the ideal arrangement for while I was working overseas, it never crossed my mind that he hadn't paid any of the bills, and I wonder whether the falling out was to get away on relatively friendly terms before I found out. You live and learn. I will post back here after I've spoken to the companies concerned to let people know how they view it! Thanks again....
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