Moved into what I thought was a HMO with all bills included but landlord not been paying them

[disgracefullyyours]

In March I moved into what I thought was officially a HMO having found the room on the Spareroom website. The ad said all bills were included in my monthly payment, I met the landlord of the house who seemed nice enough and all was fine other than she said she doesn't protect people's deposits. I didn't question this at the time as I was desperate for somewhere to live and the location was convenient, thinking if there was a problem further down the line then losing £500 wouldn't be a big deal. I signed a guest tenancy contract that lasted one month but nothing about the bills was stated. I asked if we could sign an another contract this time for longer but I was fobbed off. That was five months ago. Yesterday I asked if I could have a contract and she said she'd get me one next week and (at my request) backdate it. I know I was stupid not to push for this earlier.

A letter came a few weeks ago to Jane Briggs about unpaid council tax from the council. Told the landlord who collected it and "forward it onto the tenant" I don't live with anyone called Jane.

A letter came a month ago from TV licensing as the house was under investigation - I paid it as I'd already been watching TV on BBC iPlayer. My bank accounts are also linked with my current address and to get my credit score back up after moving I registered with the council so they know I'm on the electoral roll. But as I understood it I expected council tax to be included in the rent. I am sick with anxiety about this because I cannot have court orders coming as I plan to get a mortgage next year. A friend who works for an energy company says that companies check electoral rolls to see who lives at properties. Another letter arrived today for Jane Briggs asking if she's not there then they need to know who does.

Landlord has said not to answer the door to anyone.

I don't feel comfortable talking to my housemates as I don't know them well and don't trust them not to tell my landlord I'm worried.

I don't know what the hell to do. I am absolutely fuming at this scummy landlord for lying to me.

Get out. Contact Shelter or Citizens Advice. Not sure about hmos but pretty sure its illegal to not protect deposits. Are utilities being paid? Assume they are because you'd be cut off before now. I think though that paying tv licence just for you is what happens in hmos-just like student accommodation

Report them to the HMO team at your local council.

I called two of the utility companies today (water and energy). I was shocked to find out they don't cut supplies off when the bills aren't being paid - this is one reason why I've been confused.

Bumping for any other views.

What does your initial one month contract state? All bills included?

Sorry, just re-read it doesn't. Do you have any correspondance, texts, emails, etc, can you pull up the advert you signed from?

I wouldn't give any more utilities your name and details.

Try not to worry too much, firstly it's not going to help any matters, secondly, it's unlikely to come onto you.

How easy is it to find another rental in your area? Can you afford it?
How much has the landlord put in writing? Did she tell you in person or writing she wasn't protecting deposits?
You're worried about protecting her- DON'T! She is a bad landlord. She is acting illegally. You need to think of yourself and future impacts on you here, and that involves remembering that she is the Bad Man, and if you need to throw her under the bus, it's her fault.

The landlord as resident owner will be liable for Council Tax.

If they are not resident they will still be liable as you do not have exclusive use of the property.

But yes, Shelter & The Council should help you

This happened to me, make sure that your name doesn’t go any utility bills. In my case a pre pay meter was fitted because house manager didn’t pay bills.

the council tax bill should be in the landlord’s name if it is a true HMO. Are there any other residents?