British Gas debt - not mine!

Perfect10_2

I moved out of a property in march 2009 and left my ex husband living here. I moved back in January this year and he and his new wife moved out.

It turns out he never changed the gas from my name to just his and now BG are saying I owe them 2000!!! :mad:

They also let him rely on estimated bills only for two years hence the size of the bill.

They say I can't retrospectively change the account to his name even if he agrees and say I need to pay the bill and then take it up with him in the small claims court?!

I could just about afford to pay it from my savings but then there is the real risk I will never see it again. But I really don't want a default on my credit ratings especially when all my past issues are settled and will drop off November this year.

Is there anything else I can do? Any advice from you lovely people?

penrhyn

Should you not be pursuing your ex for the amount owing.
BG are hardly responsible, unless of course you cancelled the account when you moved out.

Cardew

Unfortunately your situation is a classic 'third party dispute' and no Utility company can get involved. If you are the occupant and the account is in your name, you are liable.

He, presumably, will deny your version of events and his liability. If he won't pay his share of the debt, the only recourse you have is to take him to the Small Claims court.

It really is very easy, and doesn't cost much to take a claim to such a court and not many people will tell lies to a judge. Also the proven facts - you moved out in 2009 and only back this year - will clearly be in your favour. It is not a daunting procedure, you sit in a room with a judge, who normally are very gentle with laymen, and they will ask your version of events, and then his version. If you win the case he will pay your court costs - around £100 I suspect.

As part of the procedure, prior to the hearing, you will both be asked to participate in mediation, you both are phoned(if both parties agree) and put your case.

I would send a formal recorded delivery letter to your ex-husband simply stating that he is responsible for the £2000 bill and if he doesn't pay it, you will make a claim in the Small Claims court.

The CAB might offer advice, but the Small Claims track is very simple and can all be done on-line.