Utilities after repossession

[nottslad]

Hi wondered if anyone could help

 

If a property is repossessed, who is liable for the gas and electricity supply until it is sold?

 

Would it be the owner of the property or the mortgage company?

[MARTIN3030]

There was a thread about this here'

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?192983-Liability-for-bills-after-Mortgage-lender-directly-appointed-receiver

[Killerschick]

Hi Nottslad,

 

Usually everything is turned off and drained down (this is how you can spot repo's on rightmove etc, they are the ones with tape around all the appliances, taps etc). If there are any outstanding bills from prior to possession the owner would be liable and it would be down to the utility company to trace and pursue them for the sums outstanding. If for any reason utilities were kept on after possession e.g. electricity to enable viewings after dark to increase saleability (particularly relevant at this time of year), the mortgage company would pay but add the costs to the outstanding balance so ultimately it would still be the owner who paid the bill.

 

This is from experience from a few years ago so things may have changed but as the shut off and drain down was for safety reasons as much as to avoid costs (electricity & gas increase fire risk and there is the possibility of water leaks or frozen pipes if the water system isn't drained down) I don't think things would have changed much.

 

KC

[Killerschick]

Hello again,

 

Having had a quick look at the thread Martin provided the link to I should just point out that I was talking about the position in relation to owner occupied property taken into possession by the mortgagee. Things are different for buy to lets and properties which are sold under the management of receivers without being taken into possession - the other thread covers those situations comprehensively.

 

KC

[MARTIN3030]

Thanks for info.