British gas refusing to let us go!

[mansemum]

Hi, we have recently moved into a property that was previously leased to tenants. We were with British Gas and want to change to EDF however British Gas are refusing to allow this as the previous tenants in our new house owe them money. EDF have tried twice and now say they can only try one more time before stopping. We don't owe British gas anything, we do know where the old tenants live and cant understand why they haven't settled but in the meantime we are with an energy supplier we don't want. Any suggestions please?

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: British gas refusing to let us go!

Hello and welcome to LB if no one has welcomed you as yet

Are you on a prepayment meter or a quarterly bill?
If you are on a prepayment meter and the balance is under £100 then you can ask EDF to take over the debt, which they will, and transfer.
As for the previous tenants debt.. is the property rented or are you buying it?

if you are renting If a previous tenant has run up debts for anything you should refer the company requesting money to your landlord or agency who should have their contact details on file. I will look for more information for if you are buying.

[bluebottle]

Re: British gas refusing to let us go!

You should also speak to OFGEM, the regulator for the energy industry. You are not responsible for the previous occupier/tenant's debts.

[CleverClogs]

Re: British gas refusing to let us go!

Hi, we have recently moved into a property that was previously leased to tenants. We were with British Gas and want to change to EDF however British Gas are refusing to allow this as the previous tenants in our new house owe them money.

Send an email to phil.bentley@centrica.co.uk - the putatively Managing Director of Brutish Gas - telling him why you will shortly be reporting his company to OFGEM.

[bluebottle]

Re: British gas refusing to let us go!

Just for sheer devilment, remind him about Ferguson -v- British Gas Trading Ltd 2009. They know very well that they cannot harass someone for debts they do not owe. That case cost them around £10,000 in damages + costs. It is a High Court ruling and is, therefore, legally-binding on lower courts.

[CleverClogs]

Re: British gas refusing to let us go!

Just for sheer devilment, remind him about Ferguson -v- British Gas Trading Ltd 2009.

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