Some advice on how to handle CRS please

[dwp0980]

Hello,

 

I found this forum after searching for CRS Credit Resource Solutions. I haven't had any problems with Gym membership, like a lot of people, they are chasing for £200 that a housing association have invoiced me for, for ground rent on a property that I used to own. I'm just after a bit of advice on how to deal with both the housing association and CRS.

 

Story goes as follows.

 

In 2004 I moved out of said property that ground rent was due on. However, when I moved out it had not been calculated for the full year, so I paid an estimated figure and the solicitor held funds in case it was above that amount (I believe it was £50). A couple of years ago the housing association said that I owed £200, and sent an invoice. The actual bill for that year was £250 over the estimated amount, nearly double that of the previous year. The solicitor had paid the £50 retained and then the Housing Assoc had attempted to contact me.

 

I asked for a copy of invoices, and when I found out that the bill was so much higher than usual, I asked for a breakdown. None of this was forthcoming, and through telephone conversations with the Housing Assoc I found that the increase was due to 'Cyclical Repairs'. I asked what cyclical repairs had been done that had cost so much, and there was no answer. I asked for the HA to confirm the breakdown in the post and I would pay the bill. I didn't receive anything.

 

I couple of months ago, out of the blue, I got another demand for the money. Again I contacted the HA and asked for proof of what had been done to warrant the extra amount. I was quite happy to pay the money, if they could prove exactly what had been done and when. I got copies of the original invoices and nothing else.

 

Now the debt has been referred to CRS, and they have sent a letter and are now calling my mobile 3 times a day and sending text messages. When I phoned them back and explained the situation, they said no problem, deal with the HA, but they are still phoning and texting (I believe it is all automated).

 

I guess I'm after some advice as to how to deal with the DCA and the Housing Association. I'm in the fortunate position where I am able to pay the money, but I baulk at the idea that a company can just send you an invoice that is nearly double the previous invoice, not be able prove the reason behind the increase, and then start proceedings as they have done. Any help gratefully received.

 

Many thanks

 

D

[kurvaface]

To start with send telephone harassment letter. Do not speak to anyone on the phone. Get everything in writing.

[Bazooka Boo]

Telephone Harassment letter

Be sure to send it recorded delivery, and keep a copy of the original letter and the receipt for the postage.

 

Funny enough I have the same issue, sort of, with my HA, who have exactly 3hours 15 minutes to answer my formal complaint before I escalate it to the housing ombudsam:D

 

You need to get the HA's complaints procedure and follow that to the letter. It normally gives them three or four stages of the complaint process to sort the problem out before you can escalate it further, all in all it should only take a maximum of three months:eek:

 

You really should send your complaint in writing or any requests etc, these are much more likely to be read and taken seriously.

However, if you know the name of the Director of the HA or his personal assistant then write direct to him, cut out the irrellevant tittle tattle.

Just because they are a HA doesn't make them any different to any other organisation, or service provider.

 

You can send CRS the go forth and multiply letter, as it is nothing to do with them what so ever!

[dwp0980]

Thanks very much for the advice. I have started off the complaints process with the HA. The Telephone Harassment letter sounds like a good idea. Not sure that the 'go forth and multiply letter' is the right tact, as the debt is definitely mine, but it is whether the debt actually exists at all that is in question.

 

The DCA have now sent the legal action threat letter, which says it will cost an additional £150 if they go down this route. I think I'll adapt the general dept letter and explain I am still in correspondence with the HA via their complaints process. Agree?

[PGH7447]

the dca threat-o-matic computer does not recognise that you are willing to pay if the right info is forthcomming.

 

I would tell the HA that the dca they have employed isis harrassing you, and that ubtil the info you requested if provided they can whistle, and that you will rasie a complaint against both the dca and themselves with he relevant authorities

[Bazooka Boo]

As above!

[dwp0980]

Result - the HA couldn't prove the debt, because they can't find the original invoices from the company that did the work. They're written off the debt. YAY

[PGH7447]

well done

[Bazooka Boo]

Yes very well done! See it pays to ask sometimes, My HA has a final 7 days to produce a letter of apology before I report them to the HOS for fraud!!

Well Done though:D