I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just 
discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a 
cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other 
tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my 
landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?

(Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a 
Freeholder)

Slip

On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just
> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
> Freeholder)
>
> Slip

How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
landlord).

On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just
> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
> Freeholder)

You can certainly insist that the socket is disconnected, or that you
are paid a sum to cover its future use. However I can't see any
prospect of recovering substantial sums for past use, when there would
be no proof of exactly who had used it and how much they had used.

Although if the socket has been used fairly regularly for specific
purposes (say, powering a vacuum cleaner for 30 minutes per week, for
the purposes of cleaning communal areas) it may be worth estimating
the usage and asking the landlord to make a reasonable contribution to
you out of the maintenance fund to cover that - but don't expect
riches: running costs for a vacuum cleaner would probably cost about
£30 for the full 4 years use (at 30 mins per week).

On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:52:38 -0800 (PST), Mouse
 wrote:

>On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just
>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>
>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
>> Freeholder)
>>
>> Slip
>
>How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
>24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
>occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
>as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
>landlord).

If the OP is in a similar position to many blocks of flats I am
familiar with, I suspect that it will only be routinely used for
vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, both of which are likely to
consume a kilowatt or so of power during use.  If so, that could
amount to maybe 200 units per year tops, unless the cleaning is
unusually frequent.  I'm not sure what the current domestic price of
electricity is - 10p per unit?

-- 
Cynic

Cynic wrote:
> On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:52:38 -0800 (PST), Mouse
>  wrote:
> 
>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just
>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>>
>>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
>>> Freeholder)
>>>
>>> Slip
>> How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
>> 24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
>> occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
>> as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
>> landlord).
> 
> If the OP is in a similar position to many blocks of flats I am
> familiar with, I suspect that it will only be routinely used for
> vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, both of which are likely to
> consume a kilowatt or so of power during use.  If so, that could
> amount to maybe 200 units per year tops, unless the cleaning is
> unusually frequent.  I'm not sure what the current domestic price of
> electricity is - 10p per unit?
> 

It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes 
dryer etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a 
problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.

Slip

Slip wrote:

> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have
> just discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs
> in a cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords
> and other tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim
> from my landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
> Freeholder)

Seems a bit unreasonable expecting you to supply free electricity to the
world.

In your flat, can you just not locate a fuse link / breaker that supplies
this downstairs socket and then remove / open it?

JB



-- 
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.radio.digital/msg/6da653ad59627c56
Boltar awards himself a Bsc and also somehow ages 20 yrs :

> I have a BSc in computer science...

> I first posted usenet news back in 1991 when you were still dribbling
> onto your bib...

Slip wrote:
> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have
> just discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs
> in a cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords
> and other tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim
> from my landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
> Freeholder)
>
> Slip

speak to the landlord, and definitely get onto a different electric 
supplier.  my rate is 14p per unit for the first 225 per guarter and then 9p 
for each extra unit after that.

Slip wrote:

>
>It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes 
>dryer etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a 
>problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.

After dealing with the socket problem, consider changing your
supplier.

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might have a look at The
Equitable Billing Company (Ebico). They don't always appear on
price-comparison websites, and do not advertise.

They have no standing charge, and their energy prices are the same for
all customers irrespective of method of payment; that is, pre-payment
electricity is the same price as that to a Direct Debit customer.
There are no fixed-term contracts or other tie-ins.

They may not be the cheapest supplier, but one's personal
circumstances might make them an attractive proposition.

Daytime rates here are 15.58p/kWh, and nighttime rates 5.54p; ordinary
(non-E7) units are 12.75p.

HTH


-- 
from
Kim Bolton

"Slip"  wrote in message 
news:m-GdnV6Cj7WtUW3XnZ2dnUVZ8oidnZ2d@pipex.net...
> Cynic wrote:
>> On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:52:38 -0800 (PST), Mouse
>>  wrote:
>>
>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have 
>>>> just
>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>>>
>>>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
>>>> Freeholder)
>>>>
>>>> Slip
>>> How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
>>> 24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
>>> occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
>>> as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
>>> landlord).
>>
>> If the OP is in a similar position to many blocks of flats I am
>> familiar with, I suspect that it will only be routinely used for
>> vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, both of which are likely to
>> consume a kilowatt or so of power during use.  If so, that could
>> amount to maybe 200 units per year tops, unless the cleaning is
>> unusually frequent.  I'm not sure what the current domestic price of
>> electricity is - 10p per unit?
>>
>
> It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes dryer 
> etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a problem) My 
> daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.


It sounds like the landlaord is charging too much anyway. This might help

http://www.econtrols.co.uk/downloads/MRP_15thJan_2003.pdf

Peter Crosland

"Slip"  wrote in message 
news:DO-dncEYhZrfM23XnZ2dnUVZ7r2dnZ2d@pipex.net...
>I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just 
>discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a 
>cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other 
>tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my landlord, 
>can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a 
> Freeholder)
>
> Slip

1. Go to mother care/boots or some other baby related shop.
2. Purchase socket safety plug thingy
3. Got to Hardware shop
4. Purchase strongest glue known to man
5. I think you get the idea.......


Chris

"Chris Lewis" <nospam@forme.thanks> wrote in message 
news:4af16912$1_1@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
>
> "Slip"  wrote in message 
> news:DO-dncEYhZrfM23XnZ2dnUVZ7r2dnZ2d@pipex.net...
>>I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just 
>>discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a 
>>cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other 
>>tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my landlord, 
>>can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>
>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a 
>> Freeholder)
>>
>> Slip
>
> 1. Go to mother care/boots or some other baby related shop.
> 2. Purchase socket safety plug thingy
> 3. Got to Hardware shop
> 4. Purchase strongest glue known to man
> 5. I think you get the idea.......


6. Get conviction or caution for causing criminal damage.

Peter Crosland

"Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
news:bp6dndP2csqyx2zXnZ2dnUVZ8vudnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
> "Slip"  wrote in message 
> news:m-GdnV6Cj7WtUW3XnZ2dnUVZ8oidnZ2d@pipex.net...
>> Cynic wrote:
>>> On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:52:38 -0800 (PST), Mouse
>>>  wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have 
>>>>> just
>>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and 
>>>>> other
>>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>>>>
>>>>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
>>>>> Freeholder)
>>>>>
>>>>> Slip
>>>> How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
>>>> 24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
>>>> occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
>>>> as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
>>>> landlord).
>>>
>>> If the OP is in a similar position to many blocks of flats I am
>>> familiar with, I suspect that it will only be routinely used for
>>> vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, both of which are likely to
>>> consume a kilowatt or so of power during use.  If so, that could
>>> amount to maybe 200 units per year tops, unless the cleaning is
>>> unusually frequent.  I'm not sure what the current domestic price of
>>> electricity is - 10p per unit?
>>>
>>
>> It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes dryer 
>> etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a problem) My 
>> daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.
>
>
> It sounds like the landlaord is charging too much anyway. This might help
>
> http://www.econtrols.co.uk/downloads/MRP_15thJan_2003.pdf
>

I think it's just possible that the price of electricity has risen a tad 
since 6 years ago.

"Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
news:H-2dneORTJbb8GzXnZ2dnUVZ7rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
> "Chris Lewis" <nospam@forme.thanks> wrote in message 
> news:4af16912$1_1@glkas0286.greenlnk.net...
>>
>> "Slip"  wrote in message 
>> news:DO-dncEYhZrfM23XnZ2dnUVZ7r2dnZ2d@pipex.net...
>>>I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just 
>>>discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a 
>>>cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other 
>>>tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my 
>>>landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>>
>>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a 
>>> Freeholder)
>>>
>>> Slip
>>
>> 1. Go to mother care/boots or some other baby related shop.
>> 2. Purchase socket safety plug thingy
>> 3. Got to Hardware shop
>> 4. Purchase strongest glue known to man
>> 5. I think you get the idea.......
>
>
> 6. Get conviction or caution for causing criminal damage.
>

To a socket supplied from his *own* electric meter.  In my book that makes 
it his socket.

In my book it could also mean that if the landlord has knowingly wired the 
socket this way, that he is stealing electricity.

"Slip"  wrote in message 
news:m-GdnV6Cj7WtUW3XnZ2dnUVZ8oidnZ2d@pipex.net...
> Cynic wrote:
>> On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:52:38 -0800 (PST), Mouse
>>  wrote:
>>
>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have 
>>>> just
>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>>>
>>>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
>>>> Freeholder)
>>>>
>>>> Slip
>>> How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
>>> 24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
>>> occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
>>> as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
>>> landlord).
>>
>> If the OP is in a similar position to many blocks of flats I am
>> familiar with, I suspect that it will only be routinely used for
>> vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, both of which are likely to
>> consume a kilowatt or so of power during use.  If so, that could
>> amount to maybe 200 units per year tops, unless the cleaning is
>> unusually frequent.  I'm not sure what the current domestic price of
>> electricity is - 10p per unit?
>>
>
> It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes dryer 
> etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a problem) My 
> daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.
>
> Slip

Unless there is something like a space heater plugged in usage by a 1kW 
vacuum cleaner for a few minutes per week is unlikely to amount to much.

OTOH if you landlord if selling you electricity at 29p/kWhr then you want a 
refund for the electricity used by his employees and the huge overcharge.

"Adrian Boliston"  wrote in message 
news:hcrr9l$q15$1@news.eternal-september.org...
> "Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
> news:H-2dneORTJbb8GzXnZ2dnUVZ7rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
>
>> 6. Get conviction or caution for causing criminal damage.
>>
>> Peter Crosland
>
> It would be difficult for a court to pin it on a particular tenant "beyond 
> reasonable doubt" unless there is some for of evidence such as cctv.


Ever heard of irony?

Peter Crosland

On Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:02:37 -0000, "Peter Crosland"
 wrote:

>"Adrian Boliston"  wrote in message 
>news:hcrr9l$q15$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>> "Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
>> news:H-2dneORTJbb8GzXnZ2dnUVZ7rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
>>
>>> 6. Get conviction or caution for causing criminal damage.
>>>
>>> Peter Crosland
>>
>> It would be difficult for a court to pin it on a particular tenant "beyond 
>> reasonable doubt" unless there is some for of evidence such as cctv.
>
>
>Ever heard of irony?
>
Isn't that what women do as a hobby?

On Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:34:54 +0000, Slip 
wrote:

>It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes 
>dryer etc

The clothes drier might have cost you a bit if it was a frequent
occurance.

> (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a 
>problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.

Good grief!  That's more than I pay for electrickery at a marina
(where it is justifiably heavily marked up due to the cost of
maintaining the specialised distribution equipment).

-- 
Cynic

"Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
news:H-2dneORTJbb8GzXnZ2dnUVZ7rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...

> 6. Get conviction or caution for causing criminal damage.
>
> Peter Crosland

It would be difficult for a court to pin it on a particular tenant "beyond 
reasonable doubt" unless there is some for of evidence such as cctv.

In message , Slip 
 writes
>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have just
>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
>It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes 
>dryer etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a 
>problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.

Why not have some fun with it?

Rig up a switch - or get an electrician to rig one up - so you can turn 
the power off shortly after your neighbours start to use it.  When 
they've laid down the power-washing lance or emptied the clothes dryer, 
you can turn it back on.

An added refinement would be to fit a variac (or another type of 
transformer) into the line to the socket, so the voltage can be turned 
down when you're not in.

-- 
< Paul >

Paul C. Dickie wrote:
> In message , Slip 
>  writes
>>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have 
>>>>> just
>>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and 
>>>>> other
>>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>
>> It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes 
>> dryer etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a 
>> problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.
> 
> Why not have some fun with it?
> 
> Rig up a switch - or get an electrician to rig one up - so you can turn 
> the power off shortly after your neighbours start to use it.  When 
> they've laid down the power-washing lance or emptied the clothes dryer, 
> you can turn it back on.
> 
> An added refinement would be to fit a variac (or another type of 
> transformer) into the line to the socket, so the voltage can be turned 
> down when you're not in.
> 

Wire it across a three phase supply

Slip wrote:
> Cynic wrote:
>> On Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:52:38 -0800 (PST), Mouse
>>  wrote:
>>
>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have 
>>>> just
>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and other
>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>>>>
>>>> (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, My Landlord owns 2 flats and is also a
>>>> Freeholder)
>>>>
>>>> Slip
>>> How much is it used?  If there's an electrical heater plugged into it
>>> 24/7 through the winter, it's worth making a fuss about.  If it's very
>>> occasional use, I'd be tempted to let it slide (though I might use it
>>> as a negotiating tactic in trying to get a rent reduction from the
>>> landlord).
>>
>> If the OP is in a similar position to many blocks of flats I am
>> familiar with, I suspect that it will only be routinely used for
>> vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, both of which are likely to
>> consume a kilowatt or so of power during use.  If so, that could
>> amount to maybe 200 units per year tops, unless the cleaning is
>> unusually frequent.  I'm not sure what the current domestic price of
>> electricity is - 10p per unit?
>>
> 
> It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes 
> dryer etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a 
> problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.
> 
> Slip

Just rechecked the prices after the surprised responses, its gone down a 
bit.

25.7p Day rate (for the first amount I think its 200kw)
11.3p Day rate after first 200

4.08p Night rate

Slip

On 4 Nov, 13:59, Big G  wrote:
> Paul C. Dickie wrote:
> > In message , Slip
> >  writes
> >>>> On 3 Nov, 22:27, Slip  wrote:
> >>>>> I have lived in a small block of 4 flats for several years and have
> >>>>> just
> >>>>> discovered that the communal electric socket located downstairs in a
> >>>>> cupboard under the stairs is connected to my meter, landlords and
> >>>>> other
> >>>>> tenants have used it. How do I stand, can I make a claim from my
> >>>>> landlord, can I insist my landlord has it disconnected?
>
> >> It has been used by other tenants for car washing, electric clothes
> >> dryer etc (other flats are empty at the moment so not currently a
> >> problem) My daytime rate is just over 29p per unit.
>
> > Why not have some fun with it?
>
> > Rig up a switch - or get an electrician to rig one up - so you can turn
> > the power off shortly after your neighbours start to use it.  When
> > they've laid down the power-washing lance or emptied the clothes dryer,
> > you can turn it back on.
>
> > An added refinement would be to fit a variac (or another type of
> > transformer) into the line to the socket, so the voltage can be turned
> > down when you're not in.
>
> Wire it across a three phase supply

Why would it be necessary to commit a criminal damage in order to
penalise morally innocent users of the socket, who presumably use the
socket without knowing that the OP is being charged for it?

"Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
news:K_udneX_ONXw5mzXnZ2dnUVZ8umdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
> "Adrian Boliston"  wrote in message 
> news:hcrr9l$q15$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>> "Peter Crosland"  wrote in message 
>> news:H-2dneORTJbb8GzXnZ2dnUVZ7rGdnZ2d@brightview.co.uk...
>>
>>> 6. Get conviction or caution for causing criminal damage.
>>>
>>> Peter Crosland
>>
>> It would be difficult for a court to pin it on a particular tenant 
>> "beyond reasonable doubt" unless there is some for of evidence such as 
>> cctv.
>
>
> Ever heard of irony?

I know this one - it's "like silvery or goldy, only made of iron".

PDR