Docsoul Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Thanks for reading this - I could do with some help as I've had some real bad luck. I rented my place out to what I was told was a Vietnamese family last Feb (2005). Turns out these guys were using my place as a cannabis factory! The Police broke in last month (Dec) and raided the house - They contacted me and everything is being sorted out. Turns out that EDF Energy want £5k out of me as they say the tennants by-passed the meter (which they did) and they estimate thats how much electricity has been used for the sun lamps to grow the plants. They are adament that I have to pay this but surley this is a criminal offence by the tennants? Can someone please help me with this - and, no I don't have any plants left over! Soul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Was that in Swindon? We had 3 busts here with cannabis factories in rented property. You are not liable if a signed Tenancy contract was in place and you had informed the utility company of the change of person paying the bill. If you didn't do this, then yes, I am sorry to say you are liable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docsoul Posted January 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Was that in Swindon? We had 3 busts here with cannabis factories in rented property. You are not liable if a signed Tenancy contract was in place and you had informed the utility company of the change of person paying the bill. If you didn't do this, then yes, I am sorry to say you are liable. No, it was in South London actually. Thanks for letting me know - The utility company was notified by the tennants but they were given a bogus name - Does this mean that it's the utilities problem or mine? Soul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Not 100% sure on that one. I always contact the utilities myself to ensure no false names are given to them. You may have to seek legal advice on that one as a change of name was actually given to the utility company which means that your name is not in the frame for liability which means it is the utility companies responsibility to recover their costs from the people who submitted a false name to them. Personally I would tell them to get lost by legal letter from a good Solicitor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docsoul Posted January 9, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Fantastic - I really appreciate your help - Don't know any good lanlord solicitors do you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPEL Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Tessa Shepperson at www.landlordlaw.co.uk Reasonable fees and excellent resource for all aspects of letting. I know from experience and have no hidden interests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eastern Landlords Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 Fantastic - I really appreciate your help - Don't know any good lanlord solicitors do you? Join a good landlords association and you may never need a solicitor again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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