Can't pay fuel bill.

ceewash

What are the option for my student son? The fuel bill with Eon is in his name. he has paid his 3rd of bill but can't get the money off other 2. They want him to set up some payment scheme but if it comes from his bank then he will have to try to get money from them each month or he will end up paying. Also as he has already paid his 3rd he does not want to be involved in the payments. Are there any options whichwill jut take care of the outstanding amount?

Char_pdc

Hi

I'm not sure legally where he stands. I would suggest contacting Eon and changing the names on the bill to include the other two housemates - then they also become liable for the bill.

Perhaps they could get a joint card/account where they could get all the bills taken out off - then it is clear who has/hasn't paid and everyone has to pay in advance.

BruceyBonus

Char_pdc wrote: »

Perhaps they could get a joint card/account where they could get all the bills taken out off - then it is clear who has/hasn't paid and everyone has to pay in advance.

DO NOT do this. It will link them all financially - i.e. if one gets bad credit in the future, then it will affect everyone who has a joint account with them.

Have the bills put in all their names, but they are all equally liable for the whole bill (not just their share).

mellymeep

I've had 3 years of this unfortunately.

There's not much he can do save from hounding his house mate's for the money relentlessly. Because his names on the bill he is the one liable to pay, if he doesn't get it paid in time then Eon will pass it over to a debt collection agency.

I think you can only have up to 2 other names on a bill, so tell your son to get on the phone to Eon and put the others names put on there ASAP. They will need to give permission over the phone though.

CLAPTON

Putting all three names on the EON won't solve any problems... if they don't pay their share, eon will still chase him and potentially ruin his credit rating.

He, anyway needs to be very careful that EON don't default his credit record..this can have a long term affect.

Do his flat mates pay other bills that he can offset his share against the EON?

Otherwise maybe you could consider contacting his flatmates' parents and explaining the situation to them... a bit embarassing but may be effective.

And of course, makes sure he doesn't share with them next year.

Fire_Fox

The landlord or letting agents may be willing to get involved if he sends a copy of the bill and proof of his payment. But legally he is liable as only his name is on the bill, not sure why this was allowed to happen?

Char_pdc

BruceyBonus wrote: »

DO NOT do this. It will link them all financially - i.e. if one gets bad credit in the future, then it will affect everyone who has a joint account with them.

Have the bills put in all their names, but they are all equally liable for the whole bill (not just their share).

I did this with my housemates and it worked well. Alternatively there are pre-pay debit cards around, which to my knowledge can be used to pay for purchases and you can get with any credit rating? Correct me if I'm wrong.

This could then be topped up by all three house mates and used to pay.

But again, he needs to chase them for money because Eon will want the bill

Fire_Fox

Char_pdc wrote: »

I did this with my housemates and it worked well. Alternatively there are pre-pay debit cards around, which to my knowledge can be used to pay for purchases and you can get with any credit rating? Correct me if I'm wrong.

This could then be topped up by all three house mates and used to pay.

But again, he needs to chase them for money because Eon will want the bill

You are still linked on your credit files - if one becomes a bad risk it will reflect on you when you come to apply for, say, a mortgage. You can get the file amended or notes added, but it's a pain in the rear end! Joint financial arrangements with anyone who don't trust 100% are not a good idea.

Lokolo

Tell the others parents.

melancholly

was about to suggest he bring in the parents too - not necessarily the
best plan in the first instance, but he's left with very little choice...

sandraroffey

definately tell the parents. works a treat!!!!