Landord paid bills for 2 years ... now wants money back.

[markwo]

Hi,

When I moved in to my house, my landord (whom I know personally) didn't move across the bills for gas, electricity and the water rates into my name. They're not professionals, they're not using a company to help them.

They paid the bills for roughly 2 years racking up £3,795.27 in payments. The bills were not a secret, I literally handed them their mail with the bills in.

Earlier this month, my girlfriend moved out and they demanded half the money before they would give her a landlord reference, despite the fact that she wasn't at the property for all of the time the bills are for. She paid it.

Now they want me to pay the rest in a lump sum.

Frankly, if I had more money I'd just pay it and laugh about their stupidity. But I don't due to my divorce.

What is my legal obligation here? Do I have to pay it? What should I do? Can ex-girlfriend get her money back?

Thanks,
Mark

[dslippy]

What does the tenancy agreement say?

[DE DOGS]

Hate to say this but, I guess you had the benefits, as did your partner, obviously it's your decision but do you expect your friend to pay your bills when you had the benefits?

[atticus]

When you moved in, what if anything was said/agreed about bills?