Tenant not forwarding mail leading to Debt Collection letters

Hayley_J_M

Today my tenant gave me a handful of mail in which there were 2 letters from debt collection companies addressed to me for amounts I knew nothing about. Either the tenant has not been forwarding mail and bills in my name (from before the start of the tenancy) or the invoices never arrived. As this was a new build property I had not previously dealt with either of the companies that I owed money to. I'm sure this unfortunate sequence of events would have had a detrimental effect on my credit status despite it being out of my control and therefore I was wondering whether I have any rights to appeal any negative reports on my credit status? I also wonder what protection, if any, a landlord has if tenants fail to pass on mail? Indeed are tenants legally obliged to forward mail?

pimento

If it was a new build, why were you using the address to have bills sent?

Comms69

Hayley_J_M wrote: »

Today my tenant gave me a handful of mail in which there were 2 letters from debt collection companies addressed to me for amounts I knew nothing about. - Have you checked your credit report? Either the tenant has not been forwarding mail and bills in my name (from before the start of the tenancy) or the invoices never arrived. - Is the tenant a postman? As this was a new build property I had not previously dealt with either of the companies that I owed money to. I'm sure this unfortunate sequence of events would have had a detrimental effect on my credit status despite it being out of my control - Not heard of mail redirection? and therefore I was wondering whether I have any rights to appeal any negative reports on my credit status? - with who? I also wonder what protection, if any, a landlord has if tenants fail to pass on mail? Indeed are tenants legally obliged to forward mail?

No, ofcourse they aren't. They aren't your butler, or cook, or postal service.


They are your customer, and one you should treat with every respect.

hazyjo

Anything in their tenancy agreement about forwarding your mail within a certain time period?


Totally with Comms69. It's a 'bit cheeky' (I am being as polite as I can).

greendoor665

No, the tenant doesn't have to forward on your mail. It's your responsibility to get your mail sent to where you live.

PasturesNew

What scum, eh ... paying your mortgage (he should be grateful you've put a roof over his head) ... and can't be bothered to go out of his way to send your mail on promptly when you've been slack and idled off.

davidmcn

Hayley_J_M wrote: »

I had not previously dealt with either of the companies that I owed money to.

Then why do you owe money to them?

anna42hmr

out of curiosity any reason why you have either not set up a mail redirection with royal mail therefore forwarding automatically anything to your name at that address or indeed why the address has not been changed with the companies in question?

fairy_lights

This doesn't make any sense - surely you knew you owed money? If the property is a newbuild and you've never lived there why would your post be sent there at all?

G_M

* Others have clearly answered the issue of tenants forwarding mail.

* If you don't owe the money, then
a) don't pay it
b) contact the companies concerned - best done by letter (or phone followed by a letter
c) contact the debt collection agencies

I assume these are private collection agencies - not court bailiffs following a court case that you lost (through not knowing of it)?

* check each of the credit agencies to look at your record. This site has info on how, including free methods I believe. If the credit records are wrong, you can contact the agencies to get the record reviewed and changed.

* I too don't understand how 2 companies you've never dealt with could believe you owe them money. Sub-contractors of the developer? Something to do with a Management Company for the property? Communal Areas maintenance? Ground Rent?

unforeseen

fairy_lights wrote: »

This doesn't make any sense - surely you knew you owed money? If the property is a newbuild and you've never lived there why would your post be sent there at all?

Sounds like OP probably failed to ask their mortgage lender about letting the property as well