£20 Default from 2018 - how much will this affect my future credit (mortgages)

lolaclare

I have recently accessed my Experian credit report because I'm considering moving house and will thus need my credit to be in good shape to get a mortgage. I was surprised to find a default of £20 to Ovo energy from 2018. As far as I was aware I ceased being their customer in in Dec 2017 and didn't know of anything left owing. I have contacted Ovo and they are adament they would have sent me a text message about this, and letter, several months after I moved to another provider. I have no memory of either of these things happening, and questioned it but they were unwilling to remove the default as it was not a mistake on their part. I will pay the £20 now, obviously, but am worried about what kind of affect this will have on my likelihood of getting a mortgage. It seems obvious it is an oversight as the amount is so low, and not a debt I was unwilling or unable to pay. Will mortgage lenders overlook something like this, or will they see it as a problem?

[Deleted User]

If it's settled, you'll certainly have options.

Make sure you check your other reports if you've looking to apply for a mortgage, so you know of any other issues. 

[Deleted User]

You could send them a DSAR (record of everything they hold on you) which should include a copy of this letter. If they can't produce this, it might at least give some sway to an argument against it

lolaclare

I've just noticed that this supposed missed payment isn't actually categorised as a default on my experian report. The report has no defaults on it at all. It is only when you look at closed accounts and then open this Ovo energy one, that you see the missed payments. The account itself is listed as closed with a balance of £0. That will look much better to prospective lenders won't it? Will they be delving into all closed accounts to check for missed payments, if the headline info on the report itself says no missed payments or defaults?

[Deleted User]

They'll see any missed payments in the last 6 years. 

How many missed payments do you have and for what dates? A default may be preferable.