In a message dated 15/02/05 11:44:16 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
> Under what law is the owner responsible? As far as I am aware the only
> responsibility is with the person that has signed a contract with the utilities
> company (although there is the [doubtful] argument that "beneficial users" may
> be responsible). As far as I am aware, there is no law saying that an owner
> is responsible.
--------
If that is the case - and it may be - how come the council always gets a bill
from the utility companies when a house is vacated and the last tenant has
not paid the bill and has not left a forwarding address? The utilities seem to
think the landlord is responsible and the councils getting these bills tend to
pay up and try to trace the defaulting tenant.
I do know of cases where the tenant has been charged for supply prior to
(and/or after) their occupancy and they have to fight tooth and nail to avoid
paying. In most of these cases the legal responsibility is with the
owner/landlord, even if they have not signed a contract as an end-user.
Ian B
Ian Buckland
Managing Director
Keep IT Legal Ltd
Please Note: The information given above does not replace or negate the need
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