Debt collector adding 27% to debt as 'fees'

gazfocus

i wasn't really sure where to post this, so apologies if it's in the wrong place.

Our previous commercial landlord has decided after 12 months that we owe them for 'unpaid rent' which I am disputing. However, they have contacted us through a debt collection company who have then added their costs on top. The original balance they say we owe is £960, and the debt collection company is claiming the balance is £1180 which they have admitted includes their fees.

Now, I've worked out the interest at 8.5% and that would come to about £60. I've also looked up what the landlord is allowed to charge for 'debt collection' and that's £40 for debts up to £999.99 but are then allowed to charge additional 'Reasonable Costs', however they are adding 27% to the balance which I would not have thought would be 'reasonable'.

Is there any guidance as to what might be considered 'reasonable'?

Any help would be appreciated.

sourcrates

Just deal with the landlord if possible, don't be paying any "fee" from a debt collector, they can't enforce the actual fee, and it won't be recorded on your credit file, stuff em !!!