Ex-partner didn't pay bills

Listerbelle

I think the OP is wasting a lot of time and energy on this.

I say this as someone who lives at 1A SAlxxx Rd who was chased and harassed for a water debt at 1A SATxxx Rd.

taconite2

Are you saying to ignore it?

naedanger

taconite2 wrote: »

Are you saying to ignore it?

I know that this question is aimed at Listerbelle so I hope they give you their answer, based on their experience.

My view is that yes you can ignore them, especially if you know the debt is not yours.

But you are (in my view) more likely to get a sympathetic hearing (e.g. from a court or ombudsman) if you can show them you have already taken all reasonable steps to show the debt collector why you are not liable.

macman

taconite2 wrote: »

Honestly don't know! Like I said. Maybe that's the problem with some finance is too easy to obtain. We are talking only 2-3k anyway maybe it's not high risk for them?

It was settled when I sold the car and the money I lost I got back in court anyway from the ex.

But you wouldn't be able to get credit of any kind without proof of address-which you say they couldn't have had at that address. So my point is that there is more to this than meets the eye.

DandelionPatrol

modsandmockers wrote: »

How does that work?

If the bill has your name on it, then you will have to pay. If it doesn't have your name on it, then you will not have to pay.

Ask to see the bill.

sacsquacco wrote: »

If your name is on the account then it will be your word against your ex..and she s in Australia, it does nt matter who s name is on the letter, its the account which matters. Spiro or is it Macman always come up with this sentence with the common dispute like this.."jointly and severally liable " and you will be chased for the bill and face claiming back the amount from your ex in the small claims court if your name is on the account.

sacsquacco wrote: »

All suppliers will only chase the account holder only, and wont get involved in third party disputes.Thats why he s being chased for the debts.Its then up to the account holder to claim against his ex..

I am astounded at the level of misinformation from people who should no better.

There is an awful lot of confusing what can and does happen with what should happen.

modsandmockers

Tell us more - what should happen?

[Deleted User]

Enlighten me DandelionPatrol, who will get chased for debts other than the account holder or holders ? Debt collectors may try, which may be the case with the OP, seeing as he has nt actually seen the account. I had that happen with my Mother when she died owing thousands. I m still getting demands years later which I either ignore or send them a copy of death certificate which sometimes stop them.

Sterlingtimes

If there is an express contract between between the supplier and the user then the person(s) named on the contract will be liable for payment. If there is no express contract then the occupier(s), as set out in the tenancy agreement, will be liable for payment. Without a tenancy agreement, matters may get complicated.

Where there is to be two or more adult persons living in the property they are normally all listed on the tenancy agreement and the tenancy agreement will say they are “jointly and severally” responsible. That means that any one tenant could be wholly liable if the others disappear.

taconite2

naedanger wrote: »

My view is that yes you can ignore them, especially if you know the debt is not yours.

I don't know if the debt is mine, as far as I know I didn't sign the tenancy agreement at this property as I was only a "guest" staying over maximum a few nights a week.

This is why I've asked for evidence they think it's me.

If they come up with something I've overlooked and would be hard to avoid in court I'll pay up! But they aren't getting a penny without some sort of explanation! Sending a letter saying "SSE" and "£770" isn't enough, I want bills etc..

modsandmockers

taconite2 wrote: »

I don't know if the debt is mine, as far as I know I didn't sign the tenancy agreement at this property as I was only a "guest" staying over maximum a few nights a week.

This is why I've asked for evidence they think it's me.

If they come up with something I've overlooked and would be hard to avoid in court I'll pay up! But they aren't getting a penny without some sort of explanation! Sending a letter saying "SSE" and "£770" isn't enough, I want bills etc..

In your original post you said 'I never "lived" at this property - I might have stayed over the occasional evening.' Your revised version of events is precisely the sort of discrepancy that debt collectors will latch onto immediately.

Stick to your guns for as long as you can, but if it looks like they are succeeding in wearing down your resistance then, without admitting any kind of liability, offer them a lesser sum in 'full and final settlement' because the dispute is beginning to damage your health. But get some specialist advice about how to make sure that they cannot renew their claim for the outstanding balance at some time in the future.