Hello,

If the electric meter is registered in the name of the owner, the tenant cannot be held liable for the lawyer´s fees. Regarding the delay in the electric bills receipts, the rental contract must be check to determine if it casuses any damage to the tenant. Normally, there is not a fixed deadline to return the deposit to the tenant, and in this case, a reasonable amount of time would have to be allowed before taking any action, as if the tenant shouldnñt be affected by the delay of the electric company issuing the bills, the landlord cannot be either, unless it had been his fault.

I recommend you to have a solicitor check your rental contrct to be able to give you a more detailed answer.

Regards,