Mix up with ESB account

My problem relates to a mix up in the setting up of the direct debit on the ESB account on a rented property I own. In June 06 some one set up their direct debit but instead of funding there own ESB account they funded mine.

The ESB have now spotted the mistake and the my ESB account has been adjusted to the tune of €600. My tenant who has since moved out, is refusing to entertain the idea of paying back the money.

To confound things further I dont have his current address nor is place of work. I would appreciate any advice that you may have.

It took everybody (you, ESB, tenants) 12 months to spot this error?!?

Perhaps you can chase this through the PTSB but I'd imagine you'll be lucky if you get any joy. You could always chase it legally but for €600 it's probably not worth it.

Hang on, my reading of this is that you may not actually be out of pocket i.e. the tenants paid your bill, no-one paid the one for the rental property and you paid nothing(?). Surely you just got 12 months "free" electricity?

Thanks for your replies. Yes, it took all of 12 months to spot the problem. I wasnt myself looking at the bills, probably my first mistake! The direct debit from the other ESB user was going against my rented property bill as a credit. Of course the tennant spotted this, but hes pleading ignorance!

As you say Clubman chasing the €600 through the legal route may not be worth it. Resigned myself to taking the hit on this!

Was the account in your name or the tenant's name? Although the property is yours, if the account was in the tenant name at the time, surely the ESB should be chasing them for the money, not you??

Afraid the account is in my name. When the tennant moved out I checked the status of the account, was up to date as the error hadnt been spotted at that time.

Error only came to light when the second ESB account holder saw that his direct debits were not going against his bill.

Miles said:

Afraid the account is in my name.

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Sorry to hear you got stung but its a cheap lesson I think.
I've heard some bad stories about tenants not even paying their own ESB bills. It's foolish to expect a tenant who you dont know from adam to pay yours
Always transfer it into the tenants name in future.

sign said:

Always transfer it into the tenants name in future.

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A valuable lesson learned! Thanks all.