Debt Recovery for Money I don't owe

ChuteBoxe

Ryann wrote: »

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

I rented out a property previously and the previous tenants incurred a sizable debt. i informed the ultility company of the date i moved it, they accepted it and continued to supply billing me for my own usage. so, its not normally a problem.

Fire_Fox

Ryann wrote: »

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.

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

Being a landlord means dealing with periods of vacancy and tenants who don't pay rent or bills - it's a job not an easy ride. Did you give closing readings and supply the new tenant's name when the previous tenant moved out or did you just rely on the tenant's to be honest? Did you have a full credit check carried out on the last tenants? Do you have a forwarding address or guarantor address?

chappers

Most of the utilities companies are pretty good with landlords, EDF being the exception,I am seeing them in court in the new year. I have just recently had a similar problem with Thames Water. One simple phone call was all it took to sort the problem.

Jowo_2

If you believe that your tenants have posed as you in order to switch bills into your name, get a copy of your credit record from Experian and check whether they've also taken out loans or goods in your name.

There's an organisation where you can register your details and which means that any credit taken out in your name has to be double checked with you. This is the type of thing a non-resident landlord does to protect themselves against ID theft and fraud.

I took it out when my passport was stolen (theft not related to tenants). Unfortunately, I've forgotten the name of this company but perhaps other posters will know.

EDIT - now I remember the organisation that protects against identy theft.

www.cifas.org.uk/

theartfullodger

Hint: (I'm sure you all do this already...)

At the start of any tenancy write, copy to tenants, keep a copy, a letter to Council, utilities, BT, TV licensing, etc. etc. whoever stating who the occupier now is, dates, & giving the meter readings...

At least you then have some proof you told them....

NB If someone has tried that trick they may be trying others: I found someone (probably not a tenant) had made 2 attempts at opening Catalogue shopping accounts in my name at a house I used to live in & now rent out... Suggestion: Make sure you have mail re-directed from any previous address now rented out...


Cheers!

Lodger