previous tenants affecting my credit??

keelyjrs

Hi
does anyone know if my previous tenant's bad credit can affect my credit? Basically I've got baillifs turning up and red letters despite me returning to sender. They are still using this address as their address and the companies don't seem to be getting the letters returned to them (or if they are they're ignoring them!)

I wouldn't mind but I've worked hard to avoid the bailiffs for our own debt lol and noe about to start dmp its a hassle I don't need!!
Any advice much appreciated

forgot to say my council have advised me to call CAB and get a credit clear on the address.. can't get hold of them at the mo though as constantly engaged. I thought credit attached to addresses had a ll stopped?

Tirian

Should not have any impact on your credit rating. First of all, ensure that you update the electoral roll so that your only your name appears at the address. I would then advise that each debt collector / bailiff letter you get, send a letter to them stating :

1. The person they name does not reside at your property
2. You have no connection to the named person, and have no knowledge of their current whereabouts
3. That they can check the electoral roll and see that you are the sole resident.
4. That you have kept a copy of their letter and of the letter you are sending them and, having now informed them of the above facts, you will treat any further contact or visits from them in relation to the individual named as harassment.

Keep copies of all the letters in a file. You should find that the the calls etc. dry up now. However, if you do receive further letters/calls/visits then contact the OFT or Trading Standards with copies of the relevant letters.

keelyjrs

Thanks, I'll get onto it

splishsplash

That you have kept a copy of their letter and of the letter you are sending them and, having now informed them of the above

Don't open letters unless they are addressed to you! Write to the companies involved as advised, but return (the unopened letters) marked 'no longer at this address'.

rog2

keelyjrs wrote: »

I thought credit attached to addresses had a ll stopped?

So did I, keelyjrs

Unfortunately, many Debt Collection Agencies will still keep records of addresses and in spite of the fact that they should be absolutely certain that the person they 'target' is the genuine debtor, they still use 'last known addresses' as a 'justification' for their harrassment of innocent members of the public. :mad: :mad: :mad:

fatbelly

Agree with splishsplash - technically a criminal offence to open someone else's mail

keelyjrs

splishsplash wrote: »

Don't open letters unless they are addressed to you! Write to the companies involved as advised, but return (the unopened letters) marked 'no longer at this address'.

Hi thanks for that. I haven't opened any and I wouldn't as I know it is illegal. I have contactyed two of the companies as you could see who they were from and also spoken to the debt collectors at the door. Just want them to go away really!!

So did I, keelyjrs

Unfortunately, many Debt Collection Agencies will still keep records of addresses and in spite of the fact that they should be absolutely certain that the person they 'target' is the genuine debtor, they still use 'last known addresses' as a 'justification' for their harrassment of innocent members of the public. :mad: :mad: :mad: Its so unfair that people get away with this kind of stuff. oh well! Hopefully it will stop eventuially!

Tirian

splishsplash wrote: »

Don't open letters unless they are addressed to you! Write to the companies involved as advised, but return (the unopened letters) marked 'no longer at this address'.

It would be nice if that worked, but I am speaking from personal experience when I say that this makes basically no difference. I returned letters like this for four or five months, and they just kept sending them.

When I did exactly as I have described above, the number of letters and calls we received dropped dramatically.

As for it being illegal to open mail addressed to someone else, this is a red herring. I'd like to see the law the proscribes it, for starters. And even if it is 'illegal' then at worst it's about as illegal as taping a show from the TV. In other words, no-one is going to prosecute you for it unless you do decide to do something stupid with what you get.

If all you do is let some debt collection agency know that they are barking up the wrong tree, then I can guarantee you will not end up in court over that!

Tirian

Follow-up: Here's the law in question (emphasis added): -

Interfering with mail - Postal Services Act 2000 Section 84

A person commits an offence if they without reasonable excuse intentionally delay or open a postal packet in the course of transmission by post or intentionally opens a mail bag.

A person commits an offence if, intending to act to a person's detriment and without reasonable excuse, opens a postal packet which they know or suspect to have been delivered incorrectly.

If being chased for money that someone else owes is not a reasonable excuse, then I don't know what is!

keelyjrs

That does rather a different perspective I must admit.. hmm I'll talk to my husband.. I'm still not keen on the idea but it might be what needs to happen to stop people knocking.

I should add I am (walking) disabled so it takes a lot out of me keep walking up the hall way to answer the door and talk to these people when I could be resting me poor ol' legs lol

Tirian

Do be firm with the companies if and when you speak to them - and if necessary ask to speak to a supervisor. Don't forget, you are doing these companies a favour - they are actually losing money by chasing these people at the wrong address!!