Sent a bill by communal property owner accusing me of stealing electricity

[tpu46]

Hello


I am a tenant in a flat. There are sockets outside my flat door, which are billed to the communal property. For the last couple of months I have been using a socket for electricity. The property owners have now sent me a bill for £600 threatening to inform their solicitors if it isn't paid. They say they have photographic evidence of it.

Just a few questions:

How can they prove I have used electricity for that amount? (could be used by anyone). The photo could be of anyone's door. Or else they could have shoved a lead under my door, plugged it in and took a photo.

What is the likely outcome if I refuse to pay this fine or admit fault? Is this a criminal or civil case?


I have not decided on a course of action yet, so the questions here are merely out of general interest as to what could happen.





Thanks

[atticus]

have you asked the owners how they quantify the value of the electricity you have been taking without payment?

[tpu46]

have you asked the owners how they quantify the value of the electricity you have been taking without payment?

No. But I assume they can produce a bill showing charges higher than they normally are.

[atticus]

You appear to have answered your question. And they may find this forum and read your admission in post no 1.

In answer to an earlier question, you could face a civil claim for payment and possibly a criminal prosecution for theft.

[PallasAthena]

You've admitted the theft in Post #1 so I'd recommend you pay up and stop stealing.

As answered above, a civil claim, but could be reported to police for theft of electricity if you don't pay up.

Photos of doors, when studied in detail for every nick scrtach and paintwork mark, are usually unique and will show it is your door.