Who is responsible for the bill?...

mullberry_2

I'm not even sure if i'm in the right forum, i'm sorry

When I moved towns 2 years ago i lodged temporarily with some people i knew for a couple of months until i got on my feet, got a job and then moved out. When i moved out it was with bad feelings due to falling-outs over the cleanliness of the place (them, not me ).

I've just been caught up with by a debt collection agency for THEIR outstanding final bill when they moved out at a later date (a few months after me apparantly). I can only think that they put my name on the account maliciously.

Legally, i was never at the property as it was only temporary ie was never on the rent agreement, on the council tax bill, voting register etc.

I've sent off documents to prove that i was only at the property for a couple of the months stated on the electric bill and legally was never tied to the property anyway. I know i probably need to seek legal advice soon but i dont suppose if anyone knows if I'm liable for this.?

Magentasue

You don't need to be on a rent agreement, electoral roll etc to be liable. If the account was in your name, you will be liable for the time you were there (so will the others, but utility companies chase people they can trace).

The others will be just as liable but that is between you and them. As for the time you weren't there - dodgy. Hopefully, they will accept your proof.

mullberry_2

but its so easy to put someone's name on a bill. if that's the case shouldn't company's be more vigiliant about accepting to put a person's name on an account? It seems very unfair that these 'people' i lived with could get away with it so easily.

Magentasue

I suppose so, but if you were living there, you would be liable, wouldn't you?

mullberry_2

I was just lodging until I moved into my new place, but they got paid for that and anything else used for that time. I just didn't think that they would do something like that and wonder what else might bite me. You dont think at the time that you need to write up a contract with some friends.

A_fiend_for_life

You are 'jointly and severally liable'.

I would take advice on it to see the best way forward. Personally, if possible, I would rather deal with the energy company directly and receive a letter to the effect of 'in full and final settlement'. But take advice first as you say.

Magentasue

I know. I'm not unsympathetic but I've read other threads on here where people are pursued for bills they feel they shouldn't paid and it's always said that the utility companies go for whoever they can who was at the address. They won't involve themselves in 'third party disputes' which is how they would see your situation with your former friends.

Do you have current addresses for these other people?

A_fiend_for_life

mullberry wrote: »

that and wonder what else might bite me.

I would take advice on that too just in case.