Tv licensing
GrandPlains206
Posts: 62 Forum Member
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I moved into a flat share a week ago. 5 other people live here and was told by 2 of them there was no tv license and theyd had "abit"of bother with them. This didn't bother me as I don't watch tv. I found in the last day they have received a red letter from them telling them of an impending visit by one of the licensing officers this month.Now can anyone advise me where I stand on this?they have lived here for around 6 months and it basically looks like they have just ignored them. I have a tv but just use it to play my xbox on I don't watch tv. I have offered that if we all pay £25 each between us then it should cover it.But nobody wants to know and I cannot afford the full amount on my own.
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Comments
As you've just moved in and don't watch tv you could point to your tenancy agreement as evidence of not being part of any previous requirement.
The phrase "no licence as they had a bit of bother with them" may not be legally sound, but doubtless you'll soon be advised that TVL Inspectors have no right of access and you can happily bypass any legal requirement by not answering the door to them. That's your decision.
It is likely that you will receive many many more letters from TV Licensing as I doubt the previous tenants would have informed them of their moving out.
There should be a section on the letter explaining how you can go online to inform TV Licensing that you are the new resident and that you don't have a TV.
If it's the latter in my opinion you would all be jointly liable.
Dont let them in as they have no legal right of entry
So, if someone does come a knocking, just tell them it's not your tv, nowt to do with you.
Also these letters are machine generated and fired out to just about every address that does not feature on their database. The chances are you will not get a visit next month, but probably at some time. The letters are designed to frighten people into paying.
And fully agree, do not let them in - just simply say, "No Thankyou" and shut the door. If they persist in hanging around, start filming them - they hate this. Furthermore, do not sign anything as they have been known to manipulate evidence for courts in the past.
It is important that you are clear where you stand with respect to the law. As others point out, but I reiterate:
1. You do not need a TV licence for simply owning a telly.
2. You do not need a TV licence for using a TV for XBox games or DVDs.
3. You do not need a TV licence to watch catch up services.
4. You do need a licence if you watch TV as it is broadcast on other devices (eg laptop, mobile).
5. You are under no obligation to let TV licencing into your home (unless they have a warrant and accompanied by a uniformed police officer)
6. You are under no obligation to let TV licencing know you do not need a licence.
7. You are under no obligation to answer any question asked to you by TV licencing, or complete any documentation.
It is worth making sure your TV is detuned and not connected to any aerial.
Whether you actual need one each or one for the household depends on the tenancy agreement you have and the nature of your house. See here:
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/tenants-and-lodgers-aud2
The red letters are automatically generated and sent to every unlicensed property on their database. It doesn't mean an actual visit is forthcoming.
I know it won't be a popular opinion, but I think the attitude of your flat mates gives you no other choice really. TVL Salespeople have no legal right of entry and you are not compelled to talk to them in any way, so if a sales person does turn up and it's you who answers the door then once you've identified who they are, simply close the door. You have no legal obligation to interact with them in any aspect other than identifying them and the purpose of their visit.
If your flat mates all agree to chip in for a licence then fair enough, get one, but all the while they refuse then you need to protect yourself because it shouldn't all fall on you.
#edit
basically what the post above me said
"Slightly delayed iPlayer"? You don't a licence for watching catchup unless you are watching the live part of iPlayer.
Number 5, they dont need a uniformed officer if they have a warrant. They normally ask one to attend to ensure the warrant is carried out without a breach.
Why didn't you say that then?
On demand/catch up on iPlayer = no licence
Live part of iPlayer = licence needed.
I don't see why you needed to confuse the matter of saying "slightly delayed iPlayer".
I was merely attempting to cover that little escape clause. I do apologise for daring to suggest otherwise. <rolly rolly roll-eyes...>
Meh, I think you probably just confused the matter for the majority of people. I know the law on the matter and have read a few threads and I've never heard that argument. So for someone who doesn't know anything about the subject, it probably confused them.