Do i have to pay British Gas ex-housemates debt?

Jimsgal

Hello,

I shared a house (joint tenancy) with another girl for 6 months. The letting agent informed all the utility companies when we moved in that we were the new tenants. The British Gas correspondance came through in my name only, which i wasnt particulary concerned about at the time, cause i didnt think it would be an issue.

On leaving the property, British Gas have sent me a final bill of £278. Not disputing the bill at all. My ex-housemate has refused to pay any amount towards this and British Gas are saying because it was always in my name then i am liable for all of it.

I have paid £153, leaving a balance of £125 on the account. I have a copy of the tenancy agreement which proves what date we both moved in, and that we are both jointly liable for rent and all bills, however British Gas say this is nothing to do with them and i have to pay. When i tried to give them my ex-flatmates details, they said i could not add her onto the account without her permission (well shes not going to give that is she).

Best thing is, i have left the property, paid all final bills off except BG one and she is still living in the property and has signed a new sole tenancy on her own. So surely the proof i have that she is liable to pay should be enough for BG to chase her for her half?

Situation has been explained in full to several BG representatives, who inform me its a third party dispute and they want payment off me.

I dont wish to get a bad credit record because of someone else not being able to pay their way in life.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thankyou

Rikki

Unfortunately the bill is in your name and you are solely liable. As british gas say your dispute is a third party dispute and is not their problem.

You will get a bad credit rating if you don't pay the bill.

Joyful

I would pay the bill then take your ex flatmate to the small claims court. Even if both your names were on the account a supplier can chase one person.

andybos

I would pay it, and then cross her off your xmas card list!!!

brewerdave

My daughter had a similar problem her final year at Uni, she had her name on the electric bill altho' there were 4 sharing. Only 2 of the other 3 paid her their share of the final bill, and the third girl vanished back home owing for the electricity and also a share of the gas and telephone bill which were in the other sharer's names. In the end we had to give it up as a bad job because the amounts involved were too small to take any action, and this girl lived a long way from anyone else so a visit by the "boys" wasn't an option.
As you know where she is I would have thought that a threat of legal action might get some results?

Kylie

You must pay the bill and then take your ex flatmate to the small claims court.