We rent a two bed flat from Finders Keepers in Oxfordshire, who have recently written the letter attached to their tenants, requesting (or demanding? It was a bit vague in the letter) that we change energy supplier to Southern Electric. A copy of their letter is below:
Quote:
Dear Tenant,
Managing utility transfers/accounts has become more complicated for us due to data protection restrictions and 'red tape'. In order to ensure that accounts are properly transferred/registered we are proposing to transfer all our properties to Southern Electric for both gas and electricity giving you the opportunity to save money on your energy bills and simplify the settling of your bills when you vacate.
If you are already with Southern Electric for both electricity and gas we would be grateful if you could still complete and return the form to us. This wilt" allow us to record that you are already being supplied by Southern Electric and ensure we don't write to you again. No changes will be made to your account with Southern Electric.
Switch from a quarterly account with British Gas for gas to a Southern Electric quarterly prompt account for gas and save 7.7% per year* with an extra 6% saving if you pay by direct debit!
You also save an, extra 3% by having both gas and electric, with Southern Electric!** Completion of the enclosed form guarantees you will save money against British Gas for gas! As you can see some of the details have already been completed for you, however we need you to ensure that all sections are completed correctly. This is a vital document to ensure you are billed correctly and to ensure the transfer runs smoothly.
Please read all the leaflets particularly the "what happens next guide" and the "energy request transfer form guidance notes", then look at the part completed transfer form provided and complete the form.
Tick how you would like to be billed --- it is cheaper -to pay by direct debit.
• To pay by direct debit, fill the direct debit section in full, stating when you wish to be L-1,111ed (any day from i St -2e of the month). A suggested consumption value relative to the size of your property can be found in Section D of the guidelines enclosed. Please also ensure you sign this section.
• Sign and date again at the bottom of the page.
• RETURN THE FORM IN THE PREPAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED By 15th DECEMBER 2007 Should you have any problems, please contact the transfer form free phone helpline on 0800 083 3060. Yours sincerely,
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There is an item in my tenancy contract saying that I must not change suppliers without getting permission from the landlord or agent first, and I have not done so, but I had always assumed that if I did want to then it would be a formality of getting their permission to change, and perhaps having to change back when I leave the property. I noticed that the Office of Fair Trading document on fair terms says in table 4.2 that I should be allowed to change supplier as long as I keep the landlord and agent informed.
I should add that we are good tenants. We have been in the property over three years and have always paid our rent by direct debit on time and keep the place in good condition, and I've never had any problems or bad references in ten years of renting. Further, I have always paid all utility charges in full and on time, and again, have no bad records.
We are currently with Southern Electric, the same company the letting agent would seem to prefer, but we were thinking about changing to npower as they seem to be cheaper for our area and usage pattern.
We were wondering what other peoples' experience and advice was.
Many thanks.
Linear Mode
14-12-2007, 10:35 PM
Letting Agency pressing T to change energy supplier
