Housing Association chasing monies

[bubbles500]

I received a letter yesterday from Medina Credit chasing monies to the tune of £328.90 for my old property address which I vacated back in July 2011. They did not state what it was for just saying that they are acting on behalf of Mount Green Housing Association regarding an outstanding debt.

 

I cannot understand what it is for as when I was living there nearly 3 years ago I was a single mother with 2 children and on full housing benefit, so I know it's nothing to do with rent arrears. I left my flat clean and tidy, even the tenancy agreement stated that the tenant is to remove all personal possessions and rubbish, which I did. The only thing I left behind was my carpets (which were in good condition). To be honest I physically could not pull up carpets 2 floors up and dispose of, however I do think it's a cheek that the Housing Association have not contacted me in nearly 3 years and passed this straight on to a debt collector.

 

I have emailed the housing association asking for proof of this debt, so I wait for the response but going on past experiences with them they are totally incompetent and make mistakes all the time.

 

I didn't know if there was a time frame to chase money when you vacate a property because 3 years is ridiculous. The housing association have not followed any protocols at all when chasing money, so just wondering where I stand really

 

any help much appreciated

[stu007]

Hi bubbles500

 

1. At the time did you follow the HA Termination procedure for ending your Tenancy?

2. Did the HA have your new forwarding address?

 

As you are unaware what this cost is for ask the HA for the Following:

 

1. Full rent statements for the period you were in the property. (check these are correct with HB payments)

2. If the cost is for damage/removal of items ask for a complete breakdown of these costs.

3. If it is for arrears ask for a copy of their arrears policy.

4. The HA Complaints Procedure.

5. Details of the Housing Ombudsman.

 

Please be patient I am sure other caggers will be along to give you advice.

[bubbles500]

Thanks Stu007,

 

I followed the clause in the Tenancy agreement, which was not very detailed in regards to moving. I will ask (if it comes to it) for them to send me a copy of my old Tenancy agreement that I

signed in 2000 especially if they start splitting feathers. I have an independent witness who helped me tidy my old flat before I left. Personally I think the HA has always been in trouble financially

they are probably trying to re-coupe monies with not just myself but other past Tenants. I just think chasing me 3 years down the line is unacceptable.

[citizenB]

You should ensure that all communication is in writing, unless you are in a position to record telephone calls.

[silverfox1961]

Hi

Some councils will charge for removing things that a previous tenant left behind. Carpets would be one of those things as they would have to remove them.

 

Another thought did come to me.

 

When you moved, did you move from one rented home to another rented home?

If yes, was it with the same council?

If no, was there a crossover in rent payments? By that I mean did you have to take the tenancy on the new place whilst your termination period was ongoing?

[bubbles500]

Hi,

 

I moved from one HA to another HA. I was on at the time full housing benefit and gave my notice to the HA and to the Council at the same time. The cross over with Housing Benefit was all

correct at the time, I did everything with accordance to the HA and the Council. My Tenancy agreement only stated to take all personal possessions and rubbish, that's all. There was no mention

in the Tenancy regarding removal of carpets. Lot's of old Tenants that lived where I used to had moved to over the years and they never lifted a carpet up or was chased for monies owed. I did everything

that was stated in my Tenancy.