Relationship breakdown - transfer utilities

[Pheidippides]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right board, but quick synopsis.

Youngest daughter’s relationship has just fallen apart after three months in lockdown. The ultimate stress test that hasn’t ended well. He has ended things.

She will be moving out tomorrow and I will be collecting her stuff by the weekend. This “stuff” is fairly straightforward to divide and not an issue or topic for dispute. There are two issues, one more pressing than the other, but advice on both would e appreciated.

Immediate issue is utilities that are all currently in my daughter’s name. She will be taking photos of the meters when she leaves tomorrow.

What is the process for transferring the utilities across to his name and the best way to legally enforce it?

There was a verbal agreement (not yet formally acknowledged) that he would take over the flat if they split. He is now asking her to pay half rent until their newly-negotiated 3 month extension is confirmed - she has not agreed.

Regards

Pheid

[Loup321]

Transferring the utilities.

She should take meter readings (photos are a great idea too), phone each utility supplier, give the final meter readings and say she moved out of the property on XX date. Her new address is YYY. They will then generate final bills and send them to her new address (or email account). She should pay them as she normally would. I would contact them as soon as possible, in any case within 7 days of moving out. I assume she's moving back in with you - if any company asks about transferring the account to her new home, she should just say that she is not responsible for the bills at that address. There is no need to give details of the person taking over the account - if they were both moving out she would not know that. The supplier will not ask.
The ex might contact the utility companies or the utility companies might write to "The Occupier". Depends on how motivated he is to sort it out. None of your daughter's business at that stage.
To be on the safe side, she should get her address updated with the banks, credit card providers etc. as well, and arrange a postal redirection. Keep all the paperwork. Then it is abundantly clear to all that she left on XX date in case he tries to say that she did not.

On the verbal agreement about the rent, it is probably not worth the paper it is written on. How much your daughter will stick to her guns or keel over for an easy life is up to her.

Best of luck to your daughter,

LouP

[AF62]

There was a verbal agreement (not yet formally acknowledged) that he would take over the flat if they split. He is now asking her to pay half rent until their newly-negotiated 3 month extension is confirmed - she has not agreed.

So who’s name was the flat in if “he would take over” as it sounds like it wasn’t just in his name.

[GoSeigen]

There was a verbal agreement (not yet formally acknowledged) that he would take over the flat if they split. He is now asking her to pay half rent until their newly-negotiated 3 month extension is confirmed - she has not agreed.

Normally he lives in the flat, he pays the rent. However, if she hasn't given notice to quit and is jointly and severally liable for the rent then she has to tread carefully, until the landlord has released her from her obligations.

If she remains a joint tenant for the duration of the three month extension and he has agreed to pay all the rent then she should get that agreement in writing or give notice herself.

If he is the only tenant and she a licensee then I cant see too much to lose from refusing to pay.


The above more to illustrate the possibilities than give precise legal advice: if it's at all difficult she should consult a solicitor/Citizens advice.


GS

[Pheidippides]

Thanks for all the help everyone,

Things have calmed down and, what looked like an entrenched positions and imminent hostilities is now much more agreeable and maybe even a reconciliation.

Regards

Pheid