Reconnection fee for rented commercial property.

banjo12 · 08-05-2016 11:15AM #1

I have just rented a shop unit which i plan to renovate and start a new business,when i went to get electricity turned on i was told there is an 1900 euro reconnection fee for the property due to it being disconnected more than 2 years ago,am I or the landlord responsible for this charge.

johnnyskeleton · 08-05-2016 11:58AM

Whats in the lease? Do you have a breakdown of the fees?

The actual reconnection charge for residential is €70. I dont know if its higher for commerical premises. I think first time connections, especially in remote areas, can cost a bit more.

So the €1900 probably represents the connection fee plus a larget deposit plus arrears. You wouldnt owe the arrears, but definately would have to pay the deposit. If the lease includes a term that the property comes connected to electricty, it would logically be the landlords responsibility but if not it is you who is getting the utility.

banjo12 · 08-05-2016 12:15PM

Because its been disconnected for more than 2 years its treated as a new connection hence the 1900 euro charge,but my arguement is that a unit would not be rentable without power so surely connection would come as standard.The lease is a standard lease that says the tenant is responsible for all utilities when in situ,but i cant pay electricity bills if i dont have electricity

Colser · 08-05-2016 12:21PM

Just tell the l/lord that you are looking for a property with power connected.Hes unlikely to find a tenant otherwise anyway.

08-05-2016 12:28PM

If you paid key money then it's up to the landlord as you bought it as a going concern.
If you paid no key money then check the small print in the lease

banjo12 · 08-05-2016 01:28PM

No key money paid,just the usual deposit and rent in advance.Its been closed for the 3 years and there were no queues for it when i took it,the lease doesnt mention anything about the property being disconnected or anything about reconnection.If it is my bill then i will pay it but its a fair whack out of a start up budget.If it was residential it would definitely be on the landlords side Im just wondering is it different for a shop unit.

08-05-2016 02:24PM

banjo12 wrote: »

No key money paid,just the usual deposit and rent in advance.Its been closed for the 3 years and there were no queues for it when i took it,the lease doesnt mention anything about the property being disconnected or anything about reconnection.If it is my bill then i will pay it but its a fair whack out of a start up budget.If it was residential it would definitely be on the landlords side Im just wondering is it different for a shop unit.

Ring the solicitor you used for buying the lease. He/she will give you the correct answer. Without looking at the lease any of us on here are really guessing. You don't need guesses. You know facts.
I hope it works out in your favour:)

banjo12 · 08-05-2016 06:29PM

Thanks for that ,Il talk to solicitor tomorrow.

Reconnection fee for rented commercial property.

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