hi all. in need of some advice

[kris9128]

me and my partner moved into a property nearly 2 years ago. the previous tennant dissapeared owing nearly £250 for gas and electric. the supplier have passed this debt onto a recovery company who are now chasing me for the money. they are saying that theyt will take me to court unless i provide themwith 2 proofs of id, 2 proofs of address, my original tennancy agreement plus a written explaniation, all must be sent recorded post within 7 working days. if i fail to do this they will take me to court and WIN so i will be liable for all costs and expenses. just wondering what will happen if i tell them to get bent and takeme to court. can the chase me for somebody elses debt or are they just trying to scare me.

[maroondevo52]

Hello and Welcome, kris.

 

I'll move this thread to the appropriate Forum, hopefully you'll get some help.

 

Regards.

 

Scott.

[Desperate Daniella]

Hi Kris,

 

You are not responsible for the previous tenant's debts. Presumably the landlord/agent took a final meter reading when they left and before you moved in? From reading your post it appears you are now with a different supplier anyway? If I were you I would just tell them it is nothing to do with you and if they do take you to Court you will have the documents to prove they have no case (your tenancy agreement, etc.) I would also give them the landlord's contact details and tell them he may know where the previous tenant has gone - unlikely I think if he has skipped owing this money, but it may get them off your back!!!

[hillards]

...tell them to get bent...

 

The landlord has a responsibility to keep accurate records of tenants and start/end meter readings. If anyone is at fault it would be the landlord.

 

The recovery company can demand all they like, but you do not have to jump under a bus because they tell you to! They make threats for a living, just face up to them and tell them that THEY have to prove you owe them a penny.

 

It is not for them to tell you what to do. Know your rights, and use them! Do NOT talk to them on the telephone. If they call you, insist on everything in writing. Write back and tell them when you moved in, given them the landlord's details if they wish to take this matter up with anyone. Tell them that you are very unhappy with their attitude and wish to lodge a formal complaint about this, a suggestion of compensation may be helpful.

[cerberusalert]

DCAs always manage to get things @rse end first don't they?

The onus is on them to prove a debt exists, not you to prove one doesn't. As for all that cr@p about wanting proof of this that and the other....tell 'em to shove their head further up their derriere:D:D