Do I have to pay the Electric Bill?

currychips · 10-11-2013 7:23pm #1

So, myself and three other tenants moved into a private house for college. We did not sign any sort of contract.

When college finished, everyone moved out bar two of us, so we were left to pay the electric bills between the two of us (which was unreasonable considering we are students and literally living day by day regarding money).

The electric was in the landlords name, also we did not sign any contact.Are we obliged to pay this bill?

YbFocus · 10-11-2013 7:25pm

currychips wrote: »

So, myself and three other tenants moved into a private house for college. We did not sign any sort of contract.

When college finished, everyone moved out bar two of us, so we were left to pay the electric bills between the two of us (which was unreasonable considering we are students and literally living day by day regarding money).

The electric was in the landlords name, also we did not sign any contact.Are we obliged to pay this bill?

If you used electricity why wouldn't you pay the bill?
Why is the whole world trying to get away without paying for stuff these days!

Man up to your responsibilities.

djimi · 10-11-2013 7:27pm

No its fine; there is a clause in the RTA that states that if you dont feel like paying the electric bill then its quite alright to just ignore it.

jjpep · 10-11-2013 7:30pm

So you think the landlord should pay for your electricity?!?!

Go on then, explain why you think that this is reasonable.

Grolschevik · 10-11-2013 7:31pm

djimi wrote: »

No its fine; there is a clause in the RTA that states that if you dont feel like paying the electric bill then its quite alright to just ignore it.

Unfortunately I suspect in this instance that your sarcasm might be missed...

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:33pm

currychips wrote: »

The electric was in the landlords name, also we did not sign any contact.Are we obliged to pay this bill?

Ethically yes, legally... probably not.

wirelessdude01 · 10-11-2013 7:36pm

Why do YOU think YOU shouldn't pay for the leccie that YOU used? Welcome to the real world.

currychips · 10-11-2013 7:37pm

Legally? Because apparently he is getting us a summons by the district court, which is kind of freaking me out.

bumper234 · 10-11-2013 7:37pm

currychips wrote: »

So, myself and three other tenants moved into a private house for college. We did not sign any sort of contract.

When college finished, everyone moved out bar two of us, so we were left to pay the electric bills between the two of us (which was unreasonable considering we are students and literally living day by day regarding money).

The electric was in the landlords name, also we did not sign any contact.Are we obliged to pay this bill?

Ask yourself this.

If you walk away from YOUR electric bill and make the landlord pay it will you feel like you have done the right thing? Would your parents be proud of you for doing it? Finally would you like to have this happen to you?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions then you're wasting your time even starting this thread because you will do a runner without paying no matter what advise you get here.

YbFocus · 10-11-2013 7:41pm

currychips wrote: »

Legally? Because apparently he is getting us a summons by the district court, which is kind of freaking me out.

So you already haven't paid this for sometime! What an utter disgrace, a person gives you a home to live in and you can't pay what's owed.
Regardless who's name it is in you pay what's due and be straight with the world.
Why should the landlord pay for a bill you and your pals amassed?

djimi · 10-11-2013 7:43pm

Why were you not paying the bill all along? Why was it allowed get to the stage where a court has to get involved?

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:43pm

currychips wrote: »

Legally? Because apparently he is getting us a summons by the district court, which is kind of freaking me out.

That sounds like him bull$hiting you tbh, smile and ask him to quote the exact grounds.

currychips · 10-11-2013 7:43pm

There are some very angry birdies on this!! I'm just a student, asking a question, I thought this was what boards was about ??

I know the bill should be paid by me, yes. But even with two jobs, and a grant, I still have no money. So what do you want me to do? Im not a magician!! We paid everything up to date and on time throughout the year, and the electric was the only thing left, which we couldn't afford, obviously and I feel bad enough as it is!!

But we helped the landlord out a lot, I actually viewed the house to other people for the landlord, a number of times, because he was busy! LEGALLY, can he issue me with a district court summons?

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:46pm

How big a bill are we talking about?

currychips · 10-11-2013 7:47pm

200 e

bumper234 · 10-11-2013 7:47pm

currychips wrote: »

There are some very angry birdies on this!! I'm just a student, asking a question, I thought this was what boards was about ??

I know the bill should be paid by me, yes. But even with two jobs, and a grant, I still have no money. So what do you want me to do? Im not a magician!! We paid everything up to date and on time throughout the year, and the electric was the only thing left, which we couldn't afford, obviously and I feel bad enough as it is!!

But we helped the landlord out a lot, I actually viewed the house to other people for the landlord, a number of times, because he was busy! LEGALLY, can he issue me with a district court summons?

Oh boo ****ing hoo dont play the poor student card and pay your ****ing bill. If you dont have the money you GET the money you ask friend's or family for a loan, you go without luxuries like beer, cigarettes, or any other unnecessary things until your bill is paid.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:48pm

currychips wrote: »

200 e

It will cost him more than that to take you to court, my money is that its a bluff.

YMMV

jjpep · 10-11-2013 7:50pm

Oh yeah - you literally have no money at all. Who are you sponging the internet connection and laptop/phone/whatever to go online and ask how can you squirm out if paying for what you've used?

Grow up and pay for what you owe.

OU812 · 10-11-2013 7:50pm

Legally he can pursue you for theft, possibly even fraud. You consumed the utility & didn't pay for it, ergo, you stole it. Even if you didn't sign a contract, the opposite argument would apply that you don't have a contract to state that he'd pay it.

If he does pursue you & I get the feeling that the sum involved is in the hundreds if not more, you could end up with a conviction which will prevent you ever from visiting the US & AUS, should you wish to. It could also seriously hamper your future career choices.

Borrow the money off your parents (or at least your share of it) & don't be an idiot. Walk away from it with your head held high & a lesson learned.

frozenfrozen · 10-11-2013 7:50pm

currychips wrote: »

There are some very angry birdies on this!! I'm just a student, asking a question, I thought this was what boards was about ??

I know the bill should be paid by me, yes. But even with two jobs, and a grant, I still have no money. So what do you want me to do? Im not a magician!! We paid everything up to date and on time throughout the year, and the electric was the only thing left, which we couldn't afford, obviously and I feel bad enough as it is!!

But we helped the landlord out a lot, I actually viewed the house to other people for the landlord, a number of times, because he was busy! LEGALLY, can he issue me with a district court summons?

Two jobs and a grant, and you can't afford to pay your utility bills? Where are you squandering all of your money? It's totally unfair to do a runner from this bill. Spend as little as you can and save as much as you can until you pay it off... Just because you can't afford the bill doesn't mean the landlord can.. Get a loan from your parents to pay it and them pay them back over time..

Ken. · 10-11-2013 7:50pm

Somewhere down the line you'll need a referance for a new place from a previous landlord or to get a bill in your name. Sh!t like this ain't gonna make it easy for you.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:52pm

OU812 wrote: »

Legally he can pursue you for theft, possibly even fraud. You consumed the utility & didn't pay for it, ergo, you stole it. Even if you didn't sign a contract, the opposite argument would apply that you don't have a contract to state that he'd pay it.

If he does pursue you & I get the feeling that the sum involved is in the hundreds if not more, you could end up with a conviction which will prevent you ever from visiting the US & AUS, should you wish to. It could also seriously hamper your future career choices.

Borrow the money off your parents (or at least your share of it) & don't be an idiot. Walk away from it with your head held high & a lesson learned.

Its 200 euro, the day in court will cost the landlord more than that in fees.

beertons · 10-11-2013 7:52pm

Man up and pay the bill. Text your old housemates and get them to forward their share.

Would you call it fair if your grant was stopped?

currychips · 10-11-2013 7:52pm

I'm guessing your not a student? Your probably a snob actually, who cant even answer my original question. Doesn't really say much about you! And not that its any of your business but, I don't smoke, going out and "drinking" usually happens once every 2 months for me, because I haven't the time! My family refuse to help me with income, which is right, because it teaches me to grow up, unlike some.

Thanks for everyone who did actually help me out

OU812 · 10-11-2013 7:54pm

@ChRoMe: Do the tenants have it in writing that the electricity is included in their rent?

If it's not explicitly stated that the utilities are included, then the user pays.

Even if it would cost more to pursue it, as a matter of principle (if it was me as the landlord), I'd do it because he'd get costs awarded also & that's when the amount would really shoot up.

beertons · 10-11-2013 7:54pm

Man up and pay the bill. Text your old housemates and get them to forward their share.

Would you call it fair if your grant was stopped?

wirelessdude01 · 10-11-2013 7:55pm

What are you doing with the money from 2 jobs and a grant that you can't pay for your leccie? Forget the beer for a few weeks and be a MAN.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:56pm

OU812 wrote: »

If it's not explicitly stated that the utilities are included, then the user pays.

What are you basing that on?

jjpep · 10-11-2013 7:56pm

ChRoMe wrote: »

Its 200 euro, the day in court will cost the landlord more than that in fees.

Not if s/he represents themselves. Although hopefully the landlord will learn a lesson from this and insist on tenants putting utilities into their own names. Although you can still get caught out for reconnection fees if the power is turned off for non payment and they do a legger.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 7:58pm

jjpep wrote: »

Not if s/he represents themselves. Although hopefully the landlord will learn a lesson from this and insist on tenants putting utilities into their own names. Although you can still get caught out for reconnection fees if the power is turned off for non payment and they do a legger.

Summons still needs to be prepared by a solicitor, so even if they represent themselves on the day they are still coming up short.

However if costs are awarded then it may balance out, frankly all this over 200 is a bit nuts.

cali_eire · 10-11-2013 7:58pm

Chill out people .... what's with all the judgement. Take a breath before you respond. Obviously, the OP wasn't perfect but they are trying to figure a solution out. They didnt drown a baby or something.

bumper234 · 10-11-2013 7:59pm

currychips wrote: »

I'm guessing your not a student? Your probably a snob actually, who cant even answer my original question. Doesn't really say much about you! And not that its any of your business but, I don't smoke, going out and "drinking" usually happens once every 2 months for me, because I haven't the time! My family refuse to help me with income, which is right, because it teaches me to grow up, unlike some.

Thanks for everyone who did actually help me out

A fine job they are doing now that you are trying to avoid paying your bill I bet they will be extra proud of you. Fwy you're not the first person to ever go to college and have bills so don't play the "you don't know what it's like" card :rolleyes:

djimi · 10-11-2013 7:59pm

Im guessing its €200 each rather than in total?

YbFocus · 10-11-2013 7:59pm

currychips wrote: »

I'm guessing your not a student? Your probably a snob actually, who cant even answer my original question. Doesn't really say much about you! And not that its any of your business but, I don't smoke, going out and "drinking" usually happens once every 2 months for me, because I haven't the time! My family refuse to help me with income, which is right, because it teaches me to grow up, unlike some.

Thanks for everyone who did actually help me out

Someone's a snob for saying you should pay your way. your a real outstanding person.

I'm just finished college and managed all my bills.

jjpep · 10-11-2013 8:00pm

currychips wrote: »

Ie! My family refuse to help me with income, which is right, because it teaches me to grow up, unlike some.

Thanks for everyone who did actually help me out

I'm going to call their effort to teach you to grow up a fail, based on what your telling us about yourself.

wirelessdude01 · 10-11-2013 8:00pm

djimi wrote: »

Im guessing its €200 each rather than in total?

Exactly. Think there is more to this as well though.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 8:00pm

djimi wrote: »

Im guessing its €200 each rather than in total?

I asked for the bill total and OP responded with 200....

The_Morrigan · 10-11-2013 8:00pm

jjpep please refrain from name calling in this forum, I have deleted your offending post.

Reminder to all posters to remain civil to each other

bumper234 · 10-11-2013 8:00pm

cali_eire wrote: »

Chill out people .... what's with all the judgement. Take a breath before you respond. Obviously, the OP wasn't perfect but they are trying to figure a solution out. They didnt drown a baby or something.

The solution op is trying to figure out is how he can get away with not paying his bill!

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 8:02pm

bumper234 wrote: »

The solution op is trying to figure out is how he can get away with not paying his bill!

Not quite, the OP is trying to figure out who is actually legally responsible to the utility provider, and thats the name on the bill.

jjpep · 10-11-2013 8:03pm

cali_eire wrote: »

Chill out people .... what's with all the judgement. Take a breath before you respond. Obviously, the OP wasn't perfect but they are trying to figure a solution out. They didnt drown a baby or something.

Solution is simple, pay for what's used. The judgement is coming from the 'I know I should pay but I don't wanna' tone from the op.

wirelessdude01 · 10-11-2013 8:04pm

OP, if as you claim you don't smoke, rarely go out where does all this money you have go? I've been to college three times, the last two times when I had a mortgage and still managed to pay my mortgage each month along with the associated bills. Actually the last college was abroad so had to pay mortgage and rent abroad so don't say that none of us know what your going through.

jjpep · 10-11-2013 8:06pm

ChRoMe wrote: »

Not quite, the OP is trying to figure out who is actually legally responsible to the utility provider, and thats the name on the bill.

Well maybe s/he should go ask a solicter. Although they would probably want paying....

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 8:07pm

jjpep wrote: »

Well maybe s/he should go ask a solicter. Although they would probably want paying....

You don't need a solicitor to answer that one.

bumper234 · 10-11-2013 8:08pm

ChRoMe wrote: »

Not quite, the OP is trying to figure out who is actually legally responsible to the utility provider, and thats the name on the bill.

PFffffft so op shouldn't pay for the electricity that he has used because of technicalities.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 8:09pm

bumper234 wrote: »

PFffffft so op shouldn't pay for the electricity that he has used because of technicalities.

There are two distinct issues here, the legal and the ethical.

I'm discussing the legal, I have no interest in making ethical judgments of other posters on this thread.

jjpep · 10-11-2013 8:11pm

ChRoMe wrote: »

You don't need a solicitor to answer that one.

True, perhaps just someone with experience of squirming out of paying what they should might be able to help the OP.

jjpep · 10-11-2013 8:12pm

ChRoMe wrote: »

There are two distinct issues here, the legal and the ethical.

I'm discussing the legal, I have no interest in making ethical judgments of other posters on this thread.

I'm discussing the ethical, I have no interest in making legal judgements of other posters on this thread.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 8:12pm

jjpep wrote: »

True, perhaps just someone with experience of squirming out of paying what they should might be able to help the OP.

LOL

Nah, just people with basic reading comprehension.

ChRoMe · 10-11-2013 8:13pm

jjpep wrote: »

I'm discussing the ethical, I have no interest in making legal judgements of other posters on this thread.

Then you are by definition off topic.

Happens regularly to people with poor reading comprehension

OU812 · 10-11-2013 8:14pm

ChRoMe wrote: »

What are you basing that on?

It's why a bill addressed to "The Tenant/Occupier/Householder" is legally enforceable.

Also studying something similar right now, it's the difference between implicit & explicit.

Implicit is not enforceable by law, so I could imply that I'm including the utilities, but there's no comeback from the tenant on that (I can pass the charge to them without comeback), but if I Explicitly state (put it in writing), there's bugger all I can do. Unless they have an explicit contract, they're responsible.

All the landlord has to do is supply their names to ESB networks & the charge (including additional fees such as disconnection/reconnection will follow them. Next time they rent a place or buy a place (re-appear "on the grid"), the charge will be applied.

Do I have to pay the Electric Bill?

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