Is abstracting electricity a criminal or civil offence?

[Berlingogirl]

That's a good idea!...

[Berlingogirl]

I would question the spur if they did it in the first place.

My tenant's gas cooker came with a plug and it's been passed as ok. If it came with a plug I can't see that it has to be hard wired. The elec is only for the ignition and lights so it's not the same as running an electric cooker...

[Berlingogirl]

Some body has removed the seals, so it wasn't a fault with the meter - it was deliberately messed with.

[Berlingogirl]

So would the elec supplier have to prove that the meter was by-passed, rather than just the seals removed?

[Berlingogirl]

jpkeates,

The meter cupboard is accessible from the outside of the property so I assume at some point during the tenancy the meter has been read. The tenancy has been around 6 years or so. If the supplier said it was by passed in X year then they must have noticed when they read the meter...

[Berlingogirl]

Piffy,

Yes, the tenant is taking it up with Ofgem.

[Berlingogirl]

Since this issue has been raised I've learnt how to bypass the meter. It seems surprisingly easy. What people do is split the incoming wire so some of the electricity goes through the meter via one wire and some goes direct to the consumer unit. That way people get some elec on the bill and some for...

[Berlingogirl]

Yes, she's had bills. I don't know if she's kept them all though. I hope she's paid by bank transfer.

The supplier says the meter was bypassed a year into her tenancy. I asked them how they knew this but didn't get a satisfactory answer. To have given a specific year, which was several...

[Berlingogirl]

The supplier is wanted to charge her for the inspection and repair which comes to over £800. They told me that the charge was for electricity that the T has used due to the meter being bypassed and I asked them what evidence did they have that the meter was actually bypassed rather than just having...

[Berlingogirl]

Yes, it's anyone. The meter is in a cupboard with external access and has no lock on it. All the properties are like this in her area. So anyone with a grudge (and I've no reason to think anyone would have a grudge against her) or just being up to no good, could have removed the seals....

[Berlingogirl]

As the title.

And does Article 6 "2 Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law." apply?

My T has been accused of removing the seals on the meter. T says she hasn't done it. The electric meter cupboard isn't...

[Berlingogirl]

So sorry to hear this. It's very upsetting to say the least. I've been through it myself....

[Berlingogirl]

They need to give you notice in writing. Is the rent due monthly?

When does the initial rental period end, or when did it?

[Berlingogirl]

That's a good point....

[Berlingogirl]

Are you sure she's not trying to get you to illegally evict her?...

[Berlingogirl]

An outside toilet is a winner as far as I'm concerned. They're great when you're having a BBQ and they're great when the children are in the garden playing in water - nobody has to go into the house traipsing in mud or water....

[Berlingogirl]

I'd say the toilet, I would also if you don't need to ask don't suggest on google. Please don't....

[Berlingogirl]

Where ever they feel the need to , which is why this additional opportunity should be denied. Keep it simple....

[Berlingogirl]

My most beloved Pitaji had to have a shower in the yard because that was how it was in Pakistan and he was old and couldn't understand why a shower outside wasn't ok. They had a hot and cold tap for outside so the temperature would be ok even if it was flippi' cold up north. Brrr poor Pitaji....