A tenants’ champion has slammed energy companies for failing to help renters with energy bill problems at HMOs.

Ben Reeve-Lewis (pictured) co-founder of housing law advocacy service Safer Renting, says those working in tenancy relations can’t resolve disputes because energy suppliers won’t discuss issues with anyone who is not the account holder - even in cases under section 33 of the Local Government Act where the council would clear the debt.

“A perennial problem for tenancy relations officer types has always been problems with utility bill debt and disconnection in HMOs where the landlord’s name is on the bill,” Reeve-Lewis writes on LinkedIn. “Energy suppliers are a closed door when trying to sort problems for tenants. It’s always ‘Computer says no!’”

He cites the example of 10 young women who were sitting in the dark with no heating because their landlord of the two properties told the suppliers to disconnect it.

“We will sort it eventually, even if by way of injunction if necessary, but surely to God, energy suppliers should be more awake to the idea that in many cases the properties with problems may just have people living legitimately in them whose name isn’t on the bill.”

Reeve-Lewis adds that where a supply has been disconnected and the tenant has children, they end up in temporary accommodation under the homelessness unit because nobody can ascertain what the situation is with the supply if the landlord won’t talk.

GDPR regulations

A spokeswoman for Energy UK tells LandlordZONE that due to GDPR and security regulations, energy suppliers can only discuss accounts with the account holder or bill payer. However, she adds: “We understand this can create challenges, and the industry is working hard to empower tenants and provide enhanced support for managing energy bills and improving home energy efficiency.

“For those facing difficulties, services like Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust offer invaluable guidance on renters’ rights. Additional advice is also available in our joint publication with Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.”