British Gas, Warrant, Wanting Payment to See a Copy of the Warrant

[corine39]

Hi

 

 

Hoping someone can help.

 

 

I have a property that was tenanted. The tenant left property, then phoned to tell letting agent afterwards. Unbeknown to myself or the letting agent, the tenant left owing 250 pounds in gas arrears. A few days after the tenant vacated British Gas entered the property (none of which either the letting agent or myself were aware of) and changed both the locks and the meter over to prepayment. British Gas were advised of both the tenancy start date and vacating date (they were emailed about te vacancy the same day they broke into the property), yet they still proceeded to enter the property when vacant.

 

 

I have asked them to provide me with a copy of the warrant and all other details, letters, times of entry etc. Some of this they have provided but not all. For example they have sent me a copy of the letter telling the tenant they were applying for the warrant, and a log of the visit, which they call the warrant but isn't.

 

 

I have gone back and asked to see a copy of the warrant, but they tell me (finally after having to chase them) I have to make an application in writing and enclose a cheque for ten pounds. Can they request this?

[citizenB]

It looks like they are forcing you to use the Subject Access Request route for this information, I think yes, they can ask you to do this. It will cost you £10.00 and they have 40 calendar days in which to provide the information.

 

You can use the draft below for this purpose.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?387306-Full-Subject-Access-Request(1-Viewing)-nbsp

 

This entitles you to ALL the data they have in respect of your relationship with them. If they fail to comply within the 40 days, you can escalate either to the Information Commissioner or even take court action against them to force compliance.

[citizenB]

Would you be able to obtain a copy of the warrant from the Issuing court ?

[corine39]

Thanks for your quick reply CitizenB...really helpful and much appreciated. I know the court they used, as I have a copy of their letter informing the tenant of this. However how would I approach it with the court. I live abroad so phoning them is a bit tricky. Would they accept an email request? is it just worth a try?

[citizenB]

Thanks for your quick reply CitizenB...really helpful and much appreciated. I know the court they used, as I have a copy of their letter informing the tenant of this. However how would I approach it with the court. I live abroad so phoning them is a bit tricky. Would they accept an email request? is it just worth a try?

 

 

Hmm, yes, I guess a phone call might be a little tricky.. I would say yes, try emailing the court and see if they will provide any information to you that way.

[corine39]

Thank you CitizenB, I will let you know how I get on.

[corine39]

Just emailed court and they have come back (wow wasnt expecting anything that quick!) and they said the warrant is not retained by the court, but try BG () and any other information they have will need a court order for its release.

 

Seems all a bit unfair that it is made so difficult to find out what has gone on with your own property.