Incorrect mark on Credit Rating by British Gas

DonMario

Dear forum,

Recently I was unexpectedly refused on an application for a Credit Card by Amex. When querrying the result, it was explained that this was done on the basis of my Credit Rating with Equifax.

When requesting my Credit File and researching my Credit Rating in more detail, it became apparent that I had a notice for an outstanding bill with British Gas that I was unaware off. The bill, with the grand total amount of £88, is backdating 2 years ago and is from a house share I used to live with several people and includes all of our names. Where it becomes interesting is that the bill is dated several months after I vacated the property and therefore do not wish for the notice to stay on my Credit Rating, which it currently is as my name is included on the bill.

After logging a complaint with the British Gas Complaint Team I was informed that even if I was to pay the outstanding amount, they would not remove the notice unless I could prove that I was not a tenant of the property at the time. The problem with this is that our original tenancy of 24 months had completed several months before this and we never signed a new agreement, therefore I vacated the property after a friendly telephone conversation with the landlord.

After this long story, my question is the following; British Gas is placing the responsibility with proving that I was NOT living at the property with myself, refusing to accept the following;
- New Tenancy Agreement of following property
- New utility bills of following property
- New Council Tax Bill of following property

Against this, the only argument that British Gas can place is that they 'were informed' that I was a tenant of this property and therefore will be held liable with a notice against my Credit Rating.

I've always had good contact with the landlord and already contacted them to ask if they could contact British Gas on my behalf, however I do not wish to be reliant on the assistance of a third party.

What actions does this forum recomend me to take and is it correct that British Gas can conclude that it is my duty to proof that I was not living at the property, not the other way around?

DCFC79

Just 1 note, your credit history is what the British Gas entry is on and this is what all lenders see. The credit rating is the number given to you by the reference agencies.