What are my rights re renting a flat?

[flatnightmare]

I moved into a flat recently and paid 6 months rent in advance to a letting agency. I can't sign up with utility providers because there is an outstanding bill with Utility Warehouse. The agency says its a scam and the flat has been empty for over a year and the landlord has never signed a contract with UW.

I want to move out as its all too stressful but I have signed a contract for a year, can I get out of it?

Whose name is the bill in?

No name on it, just owner or occupier.

Surely if there’s an outstanding bill it should be addressed to a person, not just owner or occupier.

What happens when you try and sign up to other suppliers? Does it get declined as there’s an outstanding bill payable? Surely that’s not your responsibility and the letting agents need to do something about it?

Also, what does your contract say?

There’s loads online about tenancy agreements etc... you may need to seek legal advice or cab as you’re being denied basic utilities which are essential.

I can't sign up for a new company because of the bill, the agency say thats illegal but it hasn't stopped Utility Warehouse.

No, I tried to set one up with a different company.

You can definitely set up an account with a new supplier! The 'outstanding bill' with no name is a popular scam, I've had them at my rented flat supposedly from Shell. Just sign up with a new supplier and don't even mention it. You know there's no outstanding bill because UW haven't been suppling the flat.

Please don't think of moving because of this, these scams are quite common when someone's just moved so what will you do if you have another 'outstanding bill' at a new place? These scammers try to scare new renters into paying up, they can get details of rentals from land registry / mailing lists/ electoral register etc. Don't reply to these letters, once they've established contact they'll cling on like a dog with a bone!

I don't see how a third party supplier would be part of a scam they're not, the letters just look like they're from a legit supplier.

OP did you mention this 'bill' when you tried to sign up? Even your agency have told you it's a scam, wise up!

I doubt this is a scam.

What is likely to have happened is that the previous tenant has been a customer of Utility Warehouse. When they moved out they will have given them their final meter readings and closed their account, but they haven't known the name of the new occupier so Utility Warehouse have issued bills in the name of "the owner or occupier".

The fact that the landlord has not signed a contract with Utility Warehouse is neither he nor there. If they were the existing supplier then they stay the supplier unless the landlord actively switches away. The landlord is liable for the bill when the house was empty, and they are simply chancing their arm by refusing to pay this.

As some advised upthread, I would suggest contacting Utility Warehouse and given them your move in dates and meter readings. Give them contact details for the landlord to pursue the unpaid bill before you move in. Then they try to make your switch again.

Sorry, that should say "the unpaid bill from before you moved in".