FreudianSlap Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 We are having a small problem with our previous electric and gas supplier. On the 22nd of August we moved into a rented property in Sheffield together. One of the first things we did upon moving was take the gas and electric meter readings and pass them to the previous gas and electric supplier used by the last tenants. (Let’s called them supplier X) Upon moving we arranged to change suppliers, however there is a period of waiting required between changes where supplier X will still bill us. Supplier X have sent us bills for 22-31st of August and the 1-30th of September for gas and electric – both of these bills were in our names and both have been paid – the company acknowledges the payment of these bills in full. However there is another bill due for the dates 1-21st of August which is simply addressed to ‘new occupier’. As our tenancy didn’t begin until the 22nd, I contacted the company and they said to ignore all correspondence regarding this bill. However we are still getting demands to pay this bill in the name of ‘new occupier’. We have contacted the company again, explained we are the new occupiers and that no one currently residing in the property is liable for the bill between the 1-21st of August. The company agreed we, the current tenants were not liable but said that they could not stop sending out letters addressed to ‘new occupier’ demanding payment. We are now getting a little worried as we do not know who or where the previous tenants are, and eventually we may receive correspondence suggesting bailiffs could pay us a visit. Would continually demanding payment to ‘new occupier’ (us) count as harassment, as we do not owe the money for this bill? Can someone please advise us on the best course of action to avoid getting these letters demanding payment and to rid ourselves of the dreaded supplier X? Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruitisbad Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 send them a copy of your contract that will show them the date you took over the household? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Sleeps Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Until the debt is in your name it is meaningless. No bailiff can come for anything without your permission unless he is court appointed. I wouldn't worry too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Sleeps Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 send them a copy of your contract that will show them the date you took over the household? Don't even acknowledge it until the debt is in your name. It is their error, not yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowersfade Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Write the company a letter stating all the facts as well as any supporting evidence such as a copy of your Lease agreement and a letter from your landlord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeyLover Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Just send them back un-opened, and write "Return to Sender" on the outside of the envelope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreudianSlap Posted October 17, 2011 Author Share Posted October 17, 2011 Thank you for all your replies, I think I'll ignore continue to ignore the situation unless either of our names appear on future correspondence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTM_1983 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Does your landlord not have a forwarding address for the previous tenants - - i know when i have moved out of properties my landlord has always taken my new address to send anything like this onto us for payment to be made Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sccsux Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 So long as you can prove that the bill is not for you (tenancy agreement) then photo-copy it and send a copy to them with the bill stating that if you continue to receive them (bills) then you will have no alternative but to involve the police and possible law suit for harassment and/or demanding money with menace - or even attempted fraud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTM_1983 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 surely if the OP name isnt on the bills then no fraud is being commited as the company are only sending post out to find the tenant who owes them the money for the bill....as i said your landlord/lady should be able to help with that anyway. But your best bet with the post is to return it un opened with a simple return to sender on the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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