Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Ah okay, thank you !

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Just a quick update. Posted the letter using the template as mentioned above, they responded to it saying they've put the "account on hold" for 28 days. During this time they will await for me to produce evidence that I am not liable for this debt, i.e. tenancy agreements as mentioned above. If I require an extension on the old I can request this by calling them.

I'm guessing they're pulling another fast one as in the letter I sent them, I've asked them to prove to me, that I am liable for the debt, failing that, to cease communication with me until they can provide such evidence.

Should I ignore it? Or follow up with another letter but this time using the Never-in-doubt one (thanks again for that). I didn't use that one initially as I felt the template one to be sufficient. Though it looks like I need to go on the offensive again...

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Send my version.

For reference if I ever do a mini template on your thread ALWAYS use it as its been done for a reason. Trust me - ill not cause you any harm. Quite the opposite

See the difference when you send that!

Keep me updated yea?

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Thanks, thought as much. I'm thinking to tack on the following from your closing sentence...

"I look forward to your confirmation that this matter is closed; failure to acknowledge this fact will result in further action being taken against you without prior warning.

In the meantime I am filing a formal complaint to the Financial Ombudsmen and forwarding all correspondence from yourselves onto them."

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

No. You cannot go to the FOS yet. Forget that. FOS later - if they give a final response!!

Please, you want help try listening to me

Send the template above. That's it. Trust me. Do nothing else!!

Keep me updated.

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Sorry, my mistake, I noticed FOS meant Financial Ombudsman Service, after I had posted the reply !

I will keep you updated and thanks again

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Thanks mate. Best of luck

[CleverClogs (RIP)]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Sorry, my mistake, I noticed FOS meant Financial Ombudsman Service, after I had posted the reply !

That's just the official meaning of the acronym.

I contend it really means the Fobbing Off Service or that it is run by Fundamentally Obstructive Shitheads.

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Just a small update.

One of the debt collecting agency's eventually backed down without the need of sending a follow up letter. In fact a few days later after receiving the letter stating they were putting the account on a 28 day hold, they said they would close the account down and return it to the utility company for "further investigation". Apologised for the inconvenience and said they would now cease communication with myself regarding the matter.

While the other company sent a letter "contesting" that their behaviour had been of a harassing nature, and that the account would be put on hold while further enquiries were made with the utility company. I replied to that letter the following day using the template from Never-in-Doubt, also contesting their claim of non-harassment behaviour, saying two letters and a phone call within a period of less than two weeks was - and I had kept evidence of this. It's now been over a month and haven't heard anything since!

So once again thank you all for your help and advice, in particular the letter templates from this website and Never-in-Doubt !

[IF]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Hi Rirawin I'm so pleased, love good news me

IF...x

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Ah spoke too soon.

The company who sent a letter contesting my claim of harassing behaviour by themselves, has just sent a text message. Informing me to contact them quoting a reference number. Should I send them another follow up letter, outlining what I had said in the previous one? Or should I start contacting the Financial Ombudsman ...?

[CleverClogs (RIP)]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Why not ask the jerks what part of "all communication is to be in writing only" they do not understand, or ask them for the name of their specialist who can read and understand letters?

[Rirawin]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Hmm, does Never-in-Doubt still browse this forum?

I could do with a little bit more input/advice. As mentioned previously one of the debt collection agencies backed down quite easily. However, this other one is proving to be a bit tricky. I sent them another letter, which this time they did clearly read as I got a "personalised" letter sent to me, instead of a standard run of the mill one - it was even hand signed ! Anyway they've attached a photocopied bill from the utility company with my name on it, the address, breakdown of usage over the months and the amount outstanding.

What worries me is that in the letters they've sent me regarding this owed debt, the amount I owe keeps changing, increasing and decreasing, as they have quoted me numerous different amounts, and that's without their "administration fee" added to it. Not only this they keep referring to it as an outstanding gas bill, when it was electric. I know I'm probably nitpicking but it doesn't bode well for their credibility (no pun intended) on how they go about their business.

Anyway just to clarify:

I was a subtenant at this property during July to August 2011, nothing was signed etc.

The outstanding bill with this utility company is September 2011 to December 2011 as shown on the copy of the bill. Not April 2011 to December 2011 as stated on the previous debt collection letters from this company.

I have tenancy agreements dating from October 2011 at my current address, not to mention council tax bills, utility bills, even a letter of employment etc. All of which confirm I moved addresses, but cities as well in October. Which would clearly show I'm not liable because the bill covers usage for the months of September, October, November and December.

I am going to contest this further, because quite frankly a bill with my name on it means nothing, as it doesn't prove I was at that address during that period of time. I want to call their bluff, but what do I ask further evidence of? A signed tenancy agreement between my landlord and me to "prove" that I was at that address at that time, of which won't even exist. I refuse to send them anything as I want them to do all the legwork in trying to prove I'm liable.

They did state that the only way they tracked me down was through credit links, as I had temporarily registered with that address with my bank as a billing address - something I now clearly regret doing.

Any further advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

[jon1965]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Never in Doubt will no doubt be about. He is always here somewhere lurking. But he isn't the only helpful person on here.

If it were me ( if these are the facts) I would simply write to them stating that you moved on xxxxxx and therefore couldn't possibly be liable for the debt , that you can prove that should they wish and refer the matter back to your landlord.

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Being chased for unpaid utility bill as an ex subletter

Hmm, does Never-in-Doubt still browse this forum?

I would hope so he's the forum owner