What should I do (tenant didn't pay for last electricity bill)?

The agent wrapped everything up, took some damage out of the bond, all done. Trouble is the final electricity bill wasn't paid for and didn't arrive until weeks after they released the bond. Now here's the problem, I had no idea about this, so I called the electricity company and asked for the house's account to be set to my name because I had to go in for a week to do some renovations. I should have asked if there were outstanding amounts first but I didn't. Anyway the damn bill is in my name now and the previous tenant is AWOL. Will I be liable for this? The tenancy agreement definitely covers the billing period.

 

Yes it was all done well after the tenant left. I imagine they would have had to breach some sort of privacy rules to amend his account and add me to it instead of taking a final reading and starting a new one. In confused, I'll call them and find out...

 

I'm pretty sure I didn't. I've done this many times before so I'm surprised they've misunderstood me this time.

 

The tenant would have had a contract with the supplier and your have a different contract with the supplier. You cannot be liable for someone else's debt unless you agreed to.

 

Terry is right. Unless you entered into an agreement with the electricity supplier, then you are not responsible for that debt.

So, you are only responsible for costs incurred when you signed up with the contractor and no more.

Rest easy.

 

When these billing situations occur for elec/gas suppliers with rental properties I question why they don't operate the same as water suppliers, e.g. in WA water accounts are in the title holders name, whilst we can arrange separate usage only billing to go direct to the tenant in the end the landlord is responsible if the tenant doesn't pay.

 

You should really be talking to the electricity company, not an internet forum...

 

I wanted to see what my legal position was before talking to them. Looks like it was their screw up, all sorted

 

I don't actually know, but my guess is that as, water companies are statutory authorities and electricity suppliers are not, they are in a position to make sure they get paid.

 

Actually I think there is legislation to make the owner of the property liable if the tenant does a runner.

 

Interesting point... I have a slightly similar situation now. Tenant has left the property for 2 months now (yes, vacant still) but the electricity and gas is still on... I never talk to any gas/elec suppliers, and the house is managed by an agency. Should I be concerned?

Should I instruct the agency to do something after a new tenent is signed?

 

It is rare for the utility to actually come out and disconnect.

Unless you enter into an contractual agreement with the company, then you have nothing to worry about.

 

Only if the supply for service accounts are in your name, usually this would only be water unless other arrangements/agreements with tenants (i.e. to save each tenant having to pay connection fees it stays in your name, you receive the invoices but tenant pays them).

If utilities are in tenants name they are the legal customer, its their responsibility when vacating to organise the cancellation (incl final meter read) of utilities in their name.
Utility providers will go to the property for a final meter read but generally won't disconnect the service. Gas suppliers may turn off the main meter tap and place a card on it advising any new occupant details to have the service put into their name.

During vacant R&M/inspection the utilities are still available (i.e. pre-settlement inspection) usually minimal which pass on to the next tenant, if excessive compensation arranged.