Water bill debt

Rowly1310

Hi,
My Sister in Law has left her partner and moved in with myself and my wife. We've helped her settle all of her debts (rent,concil tax etc) but theres still a water bill going back for 3 years. We don't want her to get another CCJ, so we have agreed with the provider to pay it off at £40 per month. Her ex still lives in the property, he's on Jobseekers Allowance, so doesn't have much money, but he doesn't seem t owant to pay towards the arrears (and the provider doesn't seem to want to chase him for a share!). We're happy t opay our share, but it seems a bit daft my sis is paying the arrears for a flat he lives in, particularly as she also has custody of their 3 year old, who he doesn't contribute towards either. Does anyone know if we have any options, apart from throwing ourselves on the water providers mercy?

Thanks

rowly

Cardew

You will probably get better advice in the 'Debt Free wannabe' section of MSE as they deal with debts.

I would have thought that everything would hinge on whose name was on the account, if it was your sister in law you haven't got much of a case to present to the water company.

macman

Exactly. If it's not her debt, you shouldn't have agreed to pay any arrears.

r197t

Hi Rowly!

What I would suggest (if you haven't already) is to have her account closed with water company, and provide them with his name and date he moved in so they can set a new ac only in his name. Otherwise, if she still has the account, then it is her that is responsible.

With regards to who the debt belongs to, the water company will class this as a 3rd party dispute, so is upto your sis in law and partner to resolve this.

As I said, make sure her account is closed right down, and his name has been given as new occupier.

HTH