Adding Housemates to EDF bill

Ky1e

So as of recent events I've become dubious of EDF and how they deal with problems, and now have the problem that the bill is setup in my name, although share a house with 3 other tenants. 2 are fine, but 1 has racked up not paying the bill and now owes a considerable amount, so there's always money outstanding on the bill. It's getting close to everyone moving out now, and I'm beginning to think that she's going to try and do a runner considering I've seen her transfer money to other people no problem, but then say she can't afford the bill.

Is there a way I can add everyone's name to the bill, so I'm not stuck with this outstanding balance that I'll technically be responsible for if everyone moves out?

The plan being that if she does decide to do a runner, I can take it to the small claims court, show evidence of how the bill has been split on my bank statement with the previous payments from the other tenants which will coincide with previous energy bills, and show that she's responsible for the outstanding balance... I'm assuming something along those lines would be sufficient?

I'm sure a similar question has probably been posted on the forum, so if there's a link to that, or if anyone could help it'd appreciated (preferably something indirect so she isn't aware of what's going on and I don't have to come back to all of her stuff gone before I've sorted it out). I'd love to give her the benefit of a doubt that she'll just pay it, but know what people can be like and that if the opportunity is there to get out of not paying for something, then they wont (she's a student).

I'm also aware this is the worst way of making a good impression considering it's my first post, I'll make up for it later I'm sure.

Thanks,

Kyle

naedanger

Ky1e wrote: »

So as of recent events I've become dubious of EDF and how they deal with problems, and now have the problem that the bill is setup in my name, although share a house with 3 other tenants. 2 are fine, but 1 has racked up not paying the bill and now owes a considerable amount, so there's always money outstanding on the bill. It's getting close to everyone moving out now, and I'm beginning to think that she's going to try and do a runner considering I've seen her transfer money to other people no problem, but then say she can't afford the bill.

Is there a way I can add everyone's name to the bill, so I'm not stuck with this outstanding balance that I'll technically be responsible for if everyone moves out?

The plan being that if she does decide to do a runner, I can take it to the small claims court, show evidence of how the bill has been split on my bank statement with the previous payments from the other tenants which will coincide with previous energy bills, and show that she's responsible for the outstanding balance... I'm assuming something along those lines would be sufficient?

I'm sure a similar question has probably been posted on the forum, so if there's a link to that, or if anyone could help it'd appreciated (preferably something indirect so she isn't aware of what's going on and I don't have to come back to all of her stuff gone before I've sorted it out). I'd love to give her the benefit of a doubt that she'll just pay it, but know what people can be like and that if the opportunity is there to get out of not paying for something, then they wont (she's a student).

I'm also aware this is the worst way of making a good impression considering it's my first post, I'll make up for it later I'm sure.

Thanks,

Kyle

My understanding is that unfortunately even if you succeeded in get your flatmates' names added to the bill the supplier could choose who to pursue for the money. So they could still pursue you for the full amount, and would do so if they thought that would be the easiest way for them to get any debt repaid.

And if you are currently the only name on the account then you alone are responsible to the supplier for any current debt on the account. (Of course the non-paying flatmate is responsible to you to pay their share. But if they don't pay you that will not make any difference to the supplier who will still demand you pay.)

I think you are correct to be concerned about the non paying flatmate. But simply adding them to the account will not be enough.

Nada666

It does not matter - the supplier can and will chase only the easiest target for the entire balance.

It is up to you and your other flatmates to get the money from her. As you surmise this is unlikely. About your best bet is that the rest of you share the burden of the balance amongst yourselves to ensure the account is cleared.

You can continue to chase the non-payer yourself for the funds and make a small claim against her.

Cardew

An ever recurring problem - especially with students.

You need to Google 'jointly and severally liable'.

Pagett

Ky1e wrote: »

So as of recent events I've become dubious of EDF and how they deal with problems, and now have the problem that the bill is setup in my name, although share a house with 3 other tenants. 2 are fine, but 1 has racked up not paying the bill and now owes a considerable amount, so there's always money outstanding on the bill. It's getting close to everyone moving out now, and I'm beginning to think that she's going to try and do a runner considering I've seen her transfer money to other people no problem, but then say she can't afford the bill.

Is there a way I can add everyone's name to the bill, so I'm not stuck with this outstanding balance that I'll technically be responsible for if everyone moves out?

The plan being that if she does decide to do a runner, I can take it to the small claims court, show evidence of how the bill has been split on my bank statement with the previous payments from the other tenants which will coincide with previous energy bills, and show that she's responsible for the outstanding balance... I'm assuming something along those lines would be sufficient?

I'm sure a similar question has probably been posted on the forum, so if there's a link to that, or if anyone could help it'd appreciated (preferably something indirect so she isn't aware of what's going on and I don't have to come back to all of her stuff gone before I've sorted it out). I'd love to give her the benefit of a doubt that she'll just pay it, but know what people can be like and that if the opportunity is there to get out of not paying for something, then they wont (she's a student).

I'm also aware this is the worst way of making a good impression considering it's my first post, I'll make up for it later I'm sure.

Thanks,

Kyle

Getting close to moving out?

Why have you let this go on for so long???
As I understand it, there's 3 of you and 1 of them

How well do you know this person you have elected to share a house with? It appears you are learning a lot more now you are living with them, but hopefully you knew something about her before agreeing to share your life with her for a year or so ... like where her parents live. (I'm sure they will tell you her future whereabouts if necessary)

You can probably add the other joint tenants on your tenancy to the account by contacting the supplier. Have you tried that?
I can't think of any other way ... can you?

But it's not going to probably help you for the reasons already given.

But it's good you are learning all about small claims. You may need to pursue this route against your housemate if this keeps up.

But what are you waiting for. If she owes you 3 money already, then I know I wouldn't be dilly-dallying around.

(But then we would probably get this resolved without needing to go to court either, if you know what I mean )