Former housemate taking me to small claims court - help!

Killick

You could start by telling the boyfriend to F*** **f because it isn't any of his business and have him removed from the premises.
If you do owe this person money and it seems like you do, why not do the right thing and sort it out properly.
There is nothing as shabby as trying to use technicalities to avoid your responsibilies. I'm with Sourcrates on this, ask for a copy of the bill, pay your share and get proof of payment.

catshark88

matttye wrote: »

There's a way to deal with people and the way this person has dealt with the op is horrendous, given the op's money troubles.

I'm sure the OP could better use the money towards paying less menacing creditors.

You call it wriggling out of it, I call it comeuppance.

This is an appalling attitude.

The OP doesn't deny using the utility. Take responsibility, pay up and stop trying to weasel out of your debt. Why should the housemate who's name is on the bill suffer for you?

PlymouthMaid

She is being heavy handed but you need to pay your share of the bill. I expect that she is just as much in need of her cash as you. Cheeky.

terryw

Is it just me, or is it not strange that the op has not been back?

19lottie82

terryw wrote: »

Is it just me, or is it not strange that the op has not been back?

Nah, not really! ;-)

There are two issues here. The moral one and the legal one.

Morally the OP used the electricity so should pay the bill. Legally, I can't see the FM enforcing this, even through the courts, as the bill is in her name only.

[Deleted User]

Slowmotion wrote: »

I get a message from her boyfriend saying to pay her immediately or he'll take me to court.

He's talking spherical objects.

HE can't take you to court, because HE isn't owed the money.

but I'm hoping if it gets to court and I've got proof of paying her weekly it should be enough to avoid a ruling against me and therefore having to pay fees etc.

The court isn't in a position to judge your goodwill.

They're there to judge if you do, or do not, owe the plaintiff.

If you do, and haven't paid it off, by the time you appear in court, the court will award a judgement against you, to the value of whatever you still owe, plus costs.

Once a judgement has been made, you have one month to pay it off, before it will be recorded on your file, where it will remain for 6 years.

I'd recommend you beg/borrow/earn the amount needed, ASAP, and pay it off, before a summons (involving a fee of £25 or £35 - which is added to what you owe) is issued against you.

[Deleted User]

satchmo1 wrote: »

It'll save the person the court fees which are a high percentage of the amount OP owes.

Court fees are added to the debt.