A debt I don't owe

clayton16749

Hi there

I'm sure this is pretty trivial compared to some problems, but I just wanted some advice as to what my legal position is please.

My former university are chasing me for a small amount of money - it's less than £100.

The issue is, I was told over a year ago that I wouldn't have to pay anything regarding the matter.

I have written to the univeristy to explain the situation, but they haven't even given me a detailed response to the points I made.

They still want the money - can they legally force me to pay or can I tell them where to go?

Many thanks.

clayton16749

Anyone have any ideas please?

Thanks.

TotallyBroke

You will need to be more specific in your posts if you need help.

Why are they chasing for the money? What is the reason of you possibly owing it? Have you signed any contracts with the university that may relate to this debt? Who said you wouldn't have to pay it? Why did that person think you wouldn't?

Once the clever people (I'm not one of them btw) have that information they will advise and explain whether you do owe or not.

clayton16749

There was some accidental damage to a door in my uni halls. I reported it to the university and they said that the door needed replacing, but that it would be covered by the standard insurance policy and I didn't need to pay anything (this was verbal only, nothing in writing to that effect sadly).

At the end of the year my damage deposit was due to be returned to me, minus the standard retention of some money towards the electricity bill. Fair enough. But then they didn't return any money as they were charging me £140 for the door.

In reality, they still owe me some of my damage deposit back as I was told I didn't have to pay for the door.

I just find it ridiculous and the university don't seem very willing to enter into a dialogue about it.

I believe my accommodation contract stated that I would have to pay for damage caused, but then they said the door would be covered by the insurance!

As they see it, I owe them money. As I see it, they owe me money. Less than £100 on both counts though.

Thanks for any advice.

TotallyBroke

Was the door the main entrance into your room or was this a communial door that anyone in the university may have used?
I would've thought that a communial door could've been damaged by anyone so no blame can be put on one person. If it was damage to your own door then it maybe different as that is your responsibility. You would've signed something to that effect when you moved in.
But as I said someone in the know will answer you soon.

clayton16749

Yeah it was a door in my room, not communal, and I told them about it. I told them what happened and the accommodation person said that as it was accidental damage the insurance would cover it and I wouldnt have to pay anything.

Thanks.

clayton16749

Stupidly!

Tight quarters in the room, I was hoovering because it was a bit of a tip. I picked up a very solid wooden chair, to move out of the way so I could hoover where it was. When I picked the chair up I didn't realise I was so close to the bathroom door and the back part of the chair went into the door.

There was a dent to the door, nothing major and I did question whether it warranted replacement.

When they said it did need replacing, but not at my expense I didn't really mind.

Thanks.

clayton16749

Does anyone know if I can be forced to repay this?

Many thanks.

bargainbetty

If you damaged the property then you may be asked to repay it out of your deposit. First things first:

Write to them and ask for a copy of the accidental damage insurance policy in force. Also request a copy of the invoice for the replacement of the door.
Request a statement relating to the retention of your deposit and compare it to the charges they are claiming.

Then you will know who owes what to who. If you caused the damage and they couldn't claim on the insurance, then you should really pay. What if a mate put a dent in your door and you couldn't claim... wouldn't you be miffed if he didn't offer to fix it?

Good luck either way

clayton16749

Thanks for that bargainbetty, I'll ask them for the items you mention.

In the meantime, I really don't want to have to pay the university money if I don't have to do so legally - other than the academic staff, the university was dismal in every way!

I don't know if this could be answered before I get the info from the university bargainbetty mentions, but does anyone think they could try to take me to a court over this matter - it's less than £100 (would it be worth it?) and it seems to be my word against theirs.

I'm also concerned that they might decline to send me things like award certificates unless I pay what they want. Could they do that legally? I have paid all my course fees after all!

Many thanks.

bargainbetty

It would be a small claims court as best, because of the size of the amount. If they are withholding your deposit due to this, then they cannot reasonably take you to court without providing proper documentation detailing the damage, costs etc, and proof that the amount requested outweighs the amount held.

Honestly, I don't know. They might, but they would also have to think of their reputation amongst potential students if they were to pursue such a small sum through the courts and it were to become public knowledge.

I'd go through the motions first, and then see what happens. Feel free to PM me if you want when you get the papers.