Anglian Water harrassment

222bennyboy222

I received a bill for £2500 from Anglian Water for a property I have let out since 1992. The bill dates back to 2006 when new tenants moved in. Several tenants have passed through since 2006 however none have put the bill in their name. God only knows who put it in mine. They asked for names and dates of tenants which I gave but are now asking for legal documentation. I told them to ask the council as they were all DSS tenants and they would have better luck because of data protection. They are refusing and say its down to me or I have to pay the bill. ??? Anyone know the legalities of this ??:mad:

deanos

If you rent out surely you have legal documents ?

You have to prove to them you rented it out , they already know you own the property so that's why they are going after you for payment

Cardew

I agree with the above. You need to provide proof that the property was rented out.

Also you should have informed Anglian when the first tenants moved in(with meter readings if a meter fitted)

You are also liable for any periods when the property was unoccupied between tenants.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that DSS tenants were not proactive
In seeking a water bill; or that Anglian are trying to recover money they are owed.

samsmoot

In a strictly technical and legal sense, (and I won't argue if accused of nitpicking or pedantry) you don't have to prove anything - it is your water company who would need to prove their claim if they went to court over it. As stated you are definitely liable for the periods of no occupancy.

If it did go that far I am sure that you could get the council to back up your assertion of occupancy by tenants in receipt of HB - but I guess you could ask them right now and save yourself some potential bother. If that isn't possible then just telling the truth might actually work. But do you not have something you could show?

macman

Why is AW chasing a debt (which you don't dispute is owed) 'harassment'?

yangptangkipperbang

samsmoot wrote: »

In a strictly technical and legal sense, (and I won't argue if accused of nitpicking or pedantry) you don't have to prove anything - it is your water company who would need to prove their claim if they went to court over it.

You have that completely the wrong way round.

The OP appears to be the person named on that account - therefore HE is responsible for paying the bill. If he had tenants and didn't take steps to ensure that they either became responsible for the bill direct to AW or paid him an amount to cover water usage - I am afraid he is stuck with the bill.

It is AW don't have to prove anything............

Gothicfairy

You have to prove you were not responsible not the other way around...Just send in the documents they require and it will be dealt with.

Hardly harassment is it ?