Paying off a BT Vision contract to cancel!

Lavace

Hi guys, I've been using MSE for quite a while now for money saving tips and finally need some genuine advice from you knowledgeable people.

I lived in a student house last year and we got a package with BT that was composed of 20MB Broadband, BT Vision (with On Demand) and Telephone services. It is approximately £60 a month.

The Broadband and BT Vision are 12-month contracts and the telephone an 18-month contract. There are two months remaining on the BB and BTV (with one bill currently unpaid, making three) and 6/7 months on the telephone line.

I moved out of this house months ago and was recently informed that the current tennants are refusing to pay the latest bill.

Because of a large amount of (ridiculous) complications with the tennants, I cannot go to the house and take the BT equipment or get the bill paid by them (when they used the services), it's a contract so I'm the one liable for payments.

I've had an incredible amount of hassle and learnt a large lesson, but I've finally decided to pay off the entire remainder of the contract and be done with it (whilst never speaking to those idiotic tennants again).

Could anyone please advise me on how the cancellation procedure goes with BT? What cancellation charges to they throw on top? Is there anything I should know before I ring tommorow to pay it all off? Will I have to pay for the BT equipment as I am unable to get it returned?

I've heard that BT introduced some sort of scheme which allows the remaining contract to be paid off at a flat rate of £20? It was through word of mouth so it's not reliable in the slightest.

If you could provide me with sound advice, I'd be incredibly greatful!

Lavace :A

Lavace

Looking at the BT website, I've found this information on cancellation charges:
What will I be charged?

What you're charged depends on how long is left to run on your contract. The tables below show how much you're charged for each month remaining. So for example, if you have six months left on your Unlimited Weekend Plan contract, you'll have to pay a charge of £7.50 multiplied by six, which is £45. You may also have to pay a charge for equipment related to the service you have.

Name Content Minimum Contract Period (Months) Early Termination Charge (per Month)Broadband, TV & Calls
Broadband Option 3 Unlimited Anytime Call Plan Vision+ Box & Gold Value Pack 18 £21.00

Does this mean I have to pay off the remaining months, ON TOP of these charges?

Finally, it seems on 1st October 2010, BT are making changes to their phone line rates etc. Surely this is a way to escape some of the cancellation charges?