British Gas Default...PLEASE HELP!

Plantlover66

Hello everyone,

I'll apologise now for the length of my post but I really would appreciate it if you could take the time to read and give some feedback.

Back in 2012, whilst at uni, I moved in with a close friend. To avoid confusion I took out internet and water in my name and he registered the gas and electric. After I finished uni, I moved back to Leeds where I started receiving calls from a debt collector on behalf of british gas. It turned out that my housemate had not paid any of the bills for the year and there was an outstanding balance of approximately £1000 on the account. After going back and forth with my ex housemate he agreed to arrange a payment plan with the debt collection agency to pay off the debt. This was back in October 2014.
As he was making payments and did not here from british gas or the debt collection agency again, I assumed this matter was resolved.

Last week, I went onto clear score to check my credit file etc and was horrified to see that my credit score had gone down and there was a default from british gas on my credit file. After going back and forth with british gas, they confirmed that my ex-housemate had stopped making payments in 2015 and this is why the default has been added. I assume he has also received a default and I have asked him to speak to british gas about paying the remaining balance which is now £699, however, as he is really bad with money and debt I assume he won't start making payments again as he won't be that bothered due to his credit file being a mess already.

So my questions are, is there anyway for me to dispute this default since the other tennant took responsibility of the debt and did start paying it off? I have read that a default will drop off your edit file within 6 years - does the outstanding balance have to be paid off in that 6 years in order for it to be taken off your credit file? How will this default affect me when it comes to me wanting to buy a house in a couple of years?

rtho782

Why did you leave the bills in your name when you moved out? I'm not sure they have done anything wrong at this point.

You will pay a much higher APR if you get a mortgage at all in a couple of years.

GingerBob_3

A question here is how do BG know about you if the gas bill was in your flatmate's name? Have the CRAs shafted you with an illegal financial association?

Dobbibill

I have to echo GingerBob's question. How do BG even know you/your name?

One of 2 things have happened.....

1 - as GingerBob suggests, CRA shafted.

2 - You both gave your names to all bills/utilities when you were living together and then chose which ones you would pay.

I would suspect option 2 as when you are living together, even as students, everything seems rosy and you never think for a minute things will go wrong or financial associations are going to be made.

I would look at your CR again and check any linked names/financial associates. You may need to look at removing your student friend as a link or this is going to impact in the future too.