Hi everyone,
We are coming to the end of our tenancy in a small 1 bedroom flat. It's a conversion of a small house into 2 tiny flats that didn't involve separating the utilities, so the water and gas is included in the rent. The electricity is in the landlords name, with each flat having a coin operated electricity meter.
It's an ancient pound coin operated meter and at the start of the tenancy it was set to take 18p per unit of electricity. Later during the tenancy a coin got stuck and when he came to repair it he bumped the price up to what looks like 21.5p per unit. Adding up what we have spent on electricity it comes to nearly £900, when average households appear to spend 400-500 pounds.
From looking at the law (Maximum Resale Price Provisions - OFGEM) it seems like he is not allowed to charge us more than £5 over what he personally paid, and at the residential rate only. In addition he has a legal duty to tell us what he is paying, and provide documentary evidence.
Here is what I have:
A photo of the meter at the start of the tenancy, showing the total number of coins inserted, total electricity used and the price at 18p per unit
A dated photo now showing the same meter, with the price currently set to 21.5p per unit and the total number of coins inserted
My questions!
We emailed him yesterday asking for this proof and despite visiting for a viewing today (the 16 viewing so far) he didn't mention it, although we didn't bring it up because there was a potential tenant with him. We can send a recorded delivery letter and bring it up in person, but what happens if he refuses? The OFGEM document doesn't say, other than that the price we pay should be reduced by double the base rate for as long as he refuses, but we are leaving soon.
I estimate that the most we are out by is about £400, so it would be a small claims job if it can't be settled between us. Is this enough evidence to get a favourable judgement?
Any other advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you!
edit: found a photo of the meter at the start of the tenancy