Debt Recovery for Money I don't owe

Ryann_2

Hello,

I recieved a letter at a flat that I let out from Moorcroft Debt Recovery saying "intent of litigation" that I owe Thames Water money.

I have never lived in the flat so it's obviously one of my tenants. This is the first I know of this. What are my rights and what steps should I take.

Thanks for you advice.

bobby-boy_2

Hi Ryan
1st Question who was the letter addressed to?

If it was not addressed to you you are not Liable.

I would contact the debt recovery agency and tell them to prove the debt ( if addressed to you). My girlfriend received a bill from a debt management company for electricity and when she refused to pay they said they would take 1/2 the value as final payment.
When we demanded they provide proof the debt they stopped demanding the money.

Ryann_2

Hello Bobby,

Yes the letter is addressed to me.

My name could have been used by one of the tenants.

bobby-boy_2

Hi Ryan that was quick lol
If you did not live at the property at the time of the water bill and you have the lease/Rent book to prove who did they will struggle to prove you are Liable.
Get on the phone and tell them you don't owe the cash and follow it up with a letter.

Ryann_2

I work in IT, I am always online.

I have never lived there full stop. I don't have a rent book, but I have a signed tenancy agreement. I think that should do, don't you think?

Also, I have worked very hard to try and stay debtless and keep a clean credit score. So I wouldn't get myself into this type of situation.

Ryann

bobby-boy_2

Hi Ryan
if you have a signed Tenancy agreement that states the tenant is liable for council tax water rates electricity during the tenancy then that should do.

Good luck

aah

use a letting agent - saves loads of hassle like this

Ryann_2

I used an NLA template.

I have just opened up another letter and it's an electricty bill with no name on it.

I hate letting out. I wish I had never bought a property to let out.

Ryann_2

aah wrote: »

use a letting agent - saves loads of hassle like this

I did in the past but they couldn't find me tenant quick enough the last time around.

Ryann_2

My main worry - will the new tenants find it hard to get utlities from other supplies because of the debts of previous tenants?

EagerLearner

We got a letter like this recently, claiming a debt from Southern Water at an address where we shared with several tenants 6 years ago! I am going to write to them to deny it and that they must show proof of debt. Seems these letters are commonplace now as they try it on... you might want to search the Companies House company register to check what that company is registered as. The one chasing us is not even licenced to chase debt!