Tenants done a runner

aliEnRIK

Hi all

A friend has a problem and I wondered were he stands legally and what he should do.

He rents property and the tenant did a runner leaving an unpaid gas and electric bill of around 800 quid
Hes tried to exlain that the bills NOT his but theyve sent a 'final' notice anyways saying theyre taking legal proceedings against him

Any advice would be much appreciated

Lavendyr

Are the bills in his name? If not how can they take legal proceedings against him?

aliEnRIK

The bills NOT in his name and hes not signed anything. But hes had letters go to HIS address (Not the rented property) asking for payment (in HIS name)

How theyve aquired this information we're unsure of. But basically theyre threatening to take HIM to court over it

poppysarah

Were the bills in the tenants name?

aliEnRIK

We're unsure of this as yet as the company (Cant recall the name off top of my head, but ive never heard of them before) arnt giving anything away

All they do is keep asking for payment and thats that

I would 'assume' theyre in the tenants name. But its possible that he forged the landlords signature (Unlikely, but possible)

Thumper7

Hi

Does your friend have a copy of the tenancy agreement? He should send a copy of the TA to the company concerned. This will show when the tenants were in occupation of the property.

KK

KK

Robert_Sterling_3

Has your friend phoned the electricity board and gas board about this matter?

BASFORDLAD

Legally if the bills are in the tennants name then the LL is not legally responsible.

I think a properly drafted letter to the company (the energy company) and also a letter to the debt collection firm (only if they arnt "in house collectors"

aliEnRIK

Hi all

Yes he has a copy of the agreement.
Yes hes phoned them (Which was a mistake using his mobile as they keep pestering HIM now!). Theyre not interested that the tenants done a runner. They want payment and have told him theyre taking legal action.

Basfordlad. I completely agree. I just hope the tenant HASNT forged a signature.

My friend has contacted the estate agents which deal with the house for him and hes faxed the letters onto them so hopefully THEYLL sort it out for him.

Soot2006

They want payment and have told him they're taking legal action.

This seems strange as if all is as you say, then the company would get laughed out of the courtroom ... which they should know and hence avoid the associated fees of going after the LL ....

I doubt any signature have been forged as one generally doesn't have to sign anything. That said, it is vital that you double check the bill is not in the LL's name!

BASFORDLAD

well the contract is between him and energy company, not you.