Can a Landlord say what gas and electric supplier you are with?.

[joby1]

My landlord wants me to switch suppliers because he reckons he's got a good deal because 'he's got over a hundred houses'. Can he make me?....

I had to sell my house on a sell and rent back scheme two years ago......He has never visited the property.

He's going to send me paperwork and expects me to sign it....Im a bit concerned tbh...i thought bills were up to the tenant?...

Any ideas?

TIA

[paraffin]

Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free advice on the matter.

[flyciderman]

No he can not make you change but he might be right about it being cheaper.

Have a look and see

[kira000]

What does it say in your rental contract? Usually it will specify if the tenant can change service providers.
Often it says the tenant must get written permission from the landlord, but that the landlord must not withhold permission unreasonably. The tenant must also make sure the landlord is aware of who the providers are for when you vacate the property.

[joby1]

cheers guys....

[eltelioni]

Some suppliers send a small percentage of each bill to the person who signs up the bill payer. It obviously makes sense for your landlord to encourage all his tenants to sign up with one of these suppliers. As the others said, he cannot make you do it, but you should at least have a look to see if it is cheaper than your current deal.

[saxy_jag]

It depends whether you pay for utilities as part of your rent or separately. I pay separately and it's up to me which supplier I use. As far as I'm aware, if you have an unfurnished property on a rolling tenancy, then you have a similar choice.

If you pay your landlord for your gas and electricity, then he has a right to say which supplier he uses. Thing is, if this was the case, he wouldn't need to ask you to sign anything.

[joby1]

No..i pay everything......just wanted to know wether he could make me change....I will have a look at what he sends me.....

[buildersmate]

If he has over 100 houses it is very likely that he is able to negotiate a commercial tariff with one supplier for all of them.
It may well save you money - but check it out.

[joby1]

thanks for all your answers :-))