Old Bill from Old House Query - Debt Collectors & Thames Water

Stolenchan

Hey everyone!
I hope someone can help with my enquiry, as we're trying to find out the best possible action.

I recently moved, and went back to the house today to pick up some old mail and noticed I had a letter from a Debt Collection Agency in the mail, (I believe its Thames Water) - but it wasn't even for this address, it was for the address I lived in previously!

When I lived at this last house, the water utilities and others were included with the rent, and so I have never even signed up with Thames Water as the landlord has always taken responsibility for paying these (and therefore, I guess, raising the rent slightly for this cost).

What I want to query is, what is my first step I should take? Who should I approach first?

I'm also trying to work out whether the payment is definitely spanning the time I was living there but the letter does not say this, and I was thinking of obtaining the bill from Thames Water, is this recommended?

I'm unsure of what I am liable for, and after reading several topics in this forum, I would still like some clarification from someone on where I stand right now, and whether I am liable to pay for this.

The last thing I want is to do the wrong thing, but I also don't have £500, and as far as I'm aware, it was legally the landlords responsibility - he advertised the place with the utilities included, and I never once saw a bill.

On that note, can anyone also tell me how on earth they got my name and then next address, when I didn't sign up?!

Any help is much appreciated!!

Fire_Fox

Do you have a copy of your old tenancy agreement? Probably the landlord supplied your name, and hasn't paid the bill so not worth trusting him to sort this out. I would write directly to the water company and ask for proof that the debt is yours.

Stolenchan

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Do you have a copy of your old tenancy agreement? Probably the landlord supplied your name, and hasn't paid the bill so not worth trusting him to sort this out. I would write directly to the water company and ask for proof that the debt is yours.

Hey Firefox! Thanks for the response - I'm having trouble finding a copy of the old tenancy agreement - I have a mate who is still living in the same accommodation who might have a copy, but then of course it won't be the one I signed!

I don't understand why the landlord would supply my name and details, its all beginning to sound too vindictive! It feels like ages ago.

Would you happen to know what Thames Water would be able to send to me that would prove its mine? Is it a case of them having to prove its me to pay, or a case of me having to prove I'm not liable? Or both?

Sorry for so many questions!

Gothicfairy

First question which I know might sound stupid but it has caught more then one person out is, is the bill/ letter actually in your name or does it say the occupier ?

Are you sure the landlord paid the bill ? what proof do you have ? He might not have paid at all and supplied your details as the tenant responsible.
First thing to do is speak to Thames water and find out what the bill is for, how long has the account been in your name and why was it put in your name ?
Then go back to the landlord and get him to write to Thames and explain, if he will not do that then you need a copy of your tenancy agreement or you will be held for the debt

Stolenchan

Gothicfairy wrote: »

First question which I know might sound stupid but it has caught more then one person out is, is the bill/ letter actually in your name or does it say the occupier ?

Are you sure the landlord paid the bill ? what proof do you have ? He might not have paid at all and supplied your details as the tenant responsible.
First thing to do is speak to Thames water and find out what the bill is for, how long has the account been in your name and why was it put in your name ?
Then go back to the landlord and get him to write to Thames and explain, if he will not do that then you need a copy of your tenancy agreement or you will be held for the debt

Hey Gothicfairy! Thanks for the help - the letter is specifically to my name, and has been forwarded to my next address (which I've just moved out of) from my old one. It does not say 'the occupier' on it.

I am unsure whether the landlord did pay the bill - and I don't have the proof of this. I'm still trying to follow up on a tenancy agreement and I've been searching through documents for what seems forever. I'm beginning to feel I won't find this.

I will definitely call Thames Water tomorrow to find out what its for and why it is in my name.
I'm very worried the landlord will now refuse to help me - if he's changed the info and sent it on to me, and I can't get hold of a copy of my tenancy agreement, then this is all about to go very wrong

baldelectrician

Don't call, write to Thames Water (recorded / signed for) stating you do not acknowlege the debt and wish them to send proof that you are responsible.

Don't give them any other info ( the less info they have early on the better)

You could also try a SAR (subject access request) for you to see what they have on you- the cost is £10.00

ps if the debt is over 5 years (6 years in England / Wales) then it may be statute barred (providing you have not made a payment to that debt in that time)