Utility Warehouse? Confused?!

Odette

I moved into a flat a couple of months ago and while redirecting the numerous letters that arrive to previous tenants I found one addressed to Occupier/**** (name of previous tenant) from Utility Warehouse, so I opened it and found the previous occupier in alot of debt up accumulated to april 30th. I decided to give them a call and set them straight and take on the part of the bill i owed (moved in mid feb).
I had previously tried to trace who supplied our gas using the MSE link but had no luck. Luckily when we moved in I had taken pics of the meter reading so I thought it would pretty simple as with both the water and electricity meters (which the previous tenant was also in debt with!).
So after talking with the call centre, I have to provide MY tenancy agreement to them to prove that this guy has moved out? I spoke to the superviosor as well as I thought this was weird...and was confirmed that this was the case. Not only this but I have to FAX them.
What?! I'm 24, I dont think Ive ever SEEN a fax? Not allowed to email. I am a bit ruffled about giving this weird company I had never heard of my tenancy agreement. It just seemed very strange and poor customer service with no alternative available?
Am I justifiably angry or not? Does anyone else deal with these guys? Is this standard proceedure when previous tenants have alot of debts?

timberflake

Odette wrote: »

I moved into a flat a couple of months ago and while redirecting the numerous letters that arrive to previous tenants I found one addressed to Occupier/**** (name of previous tenant) from Utility Warehouse, so I opened it and found the previous occupier in alot of debt up accumulated to april 30th. I decided to give them a call and set them straight and take on the part of the bill i owed (moved in mid feb).
I had previously tried to trace who supplied our gas using the MSE link but had no luck. Luckily when we moved in I had taken pics of the meter reading so I thought it would pretty simple as with both the water and electricity meters (which the previous tenant was also in debt with!).
So after talking with the call centre, I have to provide MY tenancy agreement to them to prove that this guy has moved out? I spoke to the superviosor as well as I thought this was weird...and was confirmed that this was the case. Not only this but I have to FAX them.
What?! I'm 24, I dont think Ive ever SEEN a fax? Not allowed to email. I am a bit ruffled about giving this weird company I had never heard of my tenancy agreement. It just seemed very strange and poor customer service with no alternative available?
Am I justifiably angry or not? Does anyone else deal with these guys? Is this standard proceedure when previous tenants have alot of debts?

I'm with Utility Warehouse and have had no problems with regards to my electricity supply.

Supplying them with a copy of your tenancy agreement is not out of the ordinary, I had to do this with Severn Trent. How else are they supposed to know what your move in date was?

As for faxing them, that is a little restrictive as not everyone has access to a fax machine. I've checked the website and can't find a postal address, is there not one quoted on the bill?

timberflake

I've just found this address on yell.com:

5 Old Woods Green
Bawdeswell
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 4TJ

The link also takes you through to their website to so would assume this address is correct.

paulofessex

Your local library may do faxing for a small fee per A4 sheet. Ensure to type up a front cover sheet advising them NOT to fax back.