Previous Landlord gave false information

dbomb88

Hi, just wondering if anybody has any advice...

We were renting privately from Dec 2012 until June 2017, a few weeks ago a debt collection letter found it's way onto the doorstep of my new house (also privately rented). It turns out that Scottish power had passed an overdue account from our previous tenancy onto them.

I took this up with Scottish Power, and said I am not responsible for the property, I had to provide the previous tenancy agreement, my new tenancy agreement and various other documents to prove that I am no longer responsible.

Scottish power have taken about 6 weeks to look into this, however I have just found an email on the Scottish Power account from my previous landlord who told Scottish power we were in the property until December 2017 - 6 months after we actually moved out, and this is why the situation has arisen.

Is there anything that I can do about this? I'm really annoyed that I've had to spend the last 6 weeks battling with Scottish power, and now have a record of debt collection agency on my credit report.

[Deleted User]

I would supply them with a copy of the email and your rental agreement confirming you weren't at the property for that time and let them chase the landlord.

m0bov

Might also we worth calling ActionFraud as he may well be trying to get you to cover the time the property was empty.

bertiewhite

dbomb88 wrote: »

I had to provide the previous tenancy agreement, my new tenancy agreement and various other documents to prove that I am no longer responsible.

Scottish power have taken about 6 weeks to look into this, however I have just found an email on the Scottish Power account from my previous landlord who told Scottish power we were in the property until December 2017 - 6 months after we actually moved out, and this is why the situation has arisen.

So what have Scottish Power said about the apparent contradiction between the "official" paperwork (signed & dated by both parties I assume) and the subsequent email which is simply something that the ex landlord has typed?

dbomb88

They haven't actually addressed this yet, I have asked them numerous times why they would accept an email from someone to say I am responsible, yet I have had to provide multiple documents to prove that I am not!

bertiewhite

dbomb88 wrote: »

They haven't actually addressed this yet, I have asked them numerous times why they would accept an email from someone to say I am responsible, yet I have had to provide multiple documents to prove that I am not!

Well I'd be more than happy to provide a piece of evidence if I thought it'd trump something else. Have you also provided your documentation to the debt collection agency? (I think that's what BBH123 was asking)

dbomb88

I haven't yet, but will be doing so, I was dealing with Scottish Power to find out what had gone on. I have more than enough evidence to prove the debt isn't mine, I am just very frustrated at the fact the landlord lied regarding that dates.