UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have recently parted company with what can be described as a tenant from hell.......really we should have a page of them - and landlords too I guess.
One of the things that happened was the change of my meters to pay as you go. I was never informed of this, and apparently it has nothing to do with me as I did not have this clause put into my tenancy contract.
The result is new tenant is stuck with meters they do not want, I will have to pay for them to be removed, in the meantime, which the company state is 3 months until they are willing to remove them their charge is stupid. Like over £14 in charges for £4 use........yep taking money for prior tenant.
Not allowed I do not think however am going to struggle with this as abroad.
When my new future tenant spoke to the provider they stated, unless the landlord puts in the contract that we cannot change meter without their permission it will happen.
So a warning to all.

My property had £290 owed on the pay as you go gas meter. I called the supplier and they came out and did a Decom/recom and cleared the debt from the meter.
You should be able to do this aswell.

Did you have to be there? As I am abroad. They state willing to change meter but will charge 60 to do so. Also told new tenant has to keep meter for 3 months. I think they are taking the mickey. Suspect my last tenant owed a lot as was growing drugs!

Who was supplier if you don't mind me asking?

Someone had to be there.  Even though the meters are outside as it was gas he had to 'test' the equipment, turn it off then tell me to get a 'gas safe' engineer in which I was doing anyway as I needed a gas safety cert.  as you've ascertained already they are not your meters anyway, if it were me I'd get the debt cleared off and leave them as PAYG.  If the new tenant wants credit meters they can make enquires and take the cost burden themselves plus having PAYG means you as a landlord won't have issues from outstanding bills left at the property in the future.

Supplier was E.On. The work was done on their behalf by the local as board as yours will be aswell.  Mine was Wales and West.  The guy would visit all the meters in the area regardless of the supplier to do the work.