SSE asking us for £37.00 from 2 tenants back.

Lily-Rose_3

Similar to a problem that someone posted about earlier, we have had a bill from SSE asking for £37 to be settled, from a tenant that was with this property mid 2012. Over 2 years ago. There was another tenant after them (and before us.)

We moved in around midsummertime last year, and we changed to British Gas from npower. (The previous tenant who stayed about 6 months, was with npower.)

The tenant before last (who left around Oct 2012,) was with SSE. Like the other poster, we also got a letter (on Monday,) which was from SSE, asking for £37 to be paid. This was sent to The Occupier' 999 high street, anytown, anyshire, and not to our name.

This has absolutely nothing to do with us, as it was 2 suppliers (and 2 tenants) back.

What should we do?

I called our housing association, and they told me to write to them and tell them that we weren't even the tenants until almost a year after that debt, and that there has been another tenant since that. But as someone said earlier on here, if they get hold of your name, can they then ask for the money again with your name attached to it, and then maybe register a fault against your name?

I stress, because I don't want people having a go at me; this was 2 energy suppliers back. There was another tenant in before us, and it was the tenant before him.

cifpower

If it is not in your name, write on the envelope "Return To Sender - No At This Address" and pop it back in the post box.

Lily-Rose_3

cifpower wrote: »

If it is not in your name, write on the envelope "Return To Sender - No At This Address" and pop it back in the post box.

But it just says 'the occupier.' Shall I still still send it back? And what shall I say? 'Mr occupier doesn't live here?'

cifpower

Lily-Rose wrote: »

But it just says 'the occupier.' Shall I still still send it back? And what shall I say? 'Mr occupier doesn't live here?'

I would just bin it as you weren't the occupier at the time.

Lily-Rose_3

cifpower wrote: »

I would just bin it as you weren't the occupier at the time.

Will they not just keep chasing me though? If the amount stays on/against the property, will it just keep hanging there?

redux

I don't see how they could pursue you or get enforcement against you to pay, whether they know your name or not.

I'd phone up the company and explain things, and put it in writing if they insist now or if they send further letters.

cifpower

Lily-Rose wrote: »

Will they not just keep chasing me though? If the amount stays on/against the property, will it just keep hanging there?

How can they chase you if it is not address to you? And debt isn't laid against a property. It is against a person.

If you feel the need, call or e-mail them saying this debt doesn't belong to me as I became the tenant on whatever date it was etc

Cardew

It would be quicker in the end to return the bill to SSE explaining what you stated in your first post. Do it in writing and not on the phone.


Give them the address of the housing association if they want confirmation.

System

Write a letter to your Landlord enclosing the bill stating clearly when you legally took over the tenancy. Include the Account No in your letter and forward a copy to the supplier. Hopefully, all future flak will directed at the Landlord.

naedanger

Lily-Rose wrote: »

Will they not just keep chasing me though? If the amount stays on/against the property, will it just keep hanging there?

You should do as you were originally advised by your housing association, namely: "write to them and tell them that [you] weren't even the tenants until almost a year after that debt, and that there has been another tenant since that". You could add that any further correspondence on this matter will be ignored.

I would either send the reply by email or if that was not possible I would go to the post office and ask for proof of posting so I had evidence I replied.

Also if you wish to be helpful tell them you do not know who was the tenant at the time but give them the then landlord's contact details (if you have them.) Of course you do not need to do this if you don't want, but it should help them find who is liable.

That will probably be the end of the matter. However if they write again asking for payment, or put the bill in your name, then complain using their official complaint process. (Details should be on their website.)

naedanger

Lily-Rose wrote: »

Will they not just keep chasing me though? If the amount stays on/against the property, will it just keep hanging there?

No they won't keep chasing you. (In the unlikely event they do then complain using their official complaint process.)

The debt will be kept against the account, which does not just depend on the property but also the period of time it relates to. They can only demand payment for the person who is liable for the bill (i.e. not you).