I'm in an odd situation: I moved to a new rental flat at the end of last year with someone already living in the address. They've gotten the council tax and electric sorted, which I've been fine with as it makes a change from every address I've lived at. But despite setting up an account and getting in touch with the water company they've apparently never received a bill. They spoke to a previous housemate and apparently he never received a bill either.
I let them try to deal with it initially and then just forgot about it while putting money away every month based on the bill for my previous address and increases. I've followed up on it and with them telling me they've not got anywhere I've just said 'well whatever works, if they don't want our money after we told them then it's their problem, we've tried to give them money but they just don't want it' but.. upon reflection that sounds a bit daft doesn't it or should I just keep my mouth shut?
>>10141 My friend was in a similar situation where he wasn't receiving any water bills, and when he called the company they said he owed nothing, despite the water flowing.
18 months later it (somehow) came to light that he had accrued a debt into the thousands for failing to pay his water bill. Had to go on a payment plan and it negatively affected his credit score.
>>10142 Your friend's a melt for allowing the last part to stand. If possible, OP, document the times you've attempted to contact them in case similar happens here. Beyond that I'd say you've done what you can.
I've had this kind of bullshit (not exactly the same but similar) and basically what tends to happen is that they will push it as much as they can to get money out of you, no matter how legally in the right you are. Because they know ultimately, most people will just shit bricks and pay- They don't need to legally be in the right, if people are willing to cave.
But as long as you have it in writing, and send a nice email to the appropriate regulator, you'll be amazed how rapidly the tone changes. I've had O2, British Gas, and an ex-employer (or the debt collectors they mugged me off to, as the case may have been) fuck off and change their tune as soon as I did that. They operate exactly like bullies. Once they know that you're not someone to be fucked with and you are willing and capable to defend yourself, they give up quick sharp.
Of course, that is assuming you are legally in the right. It doesn't work if you fuck them about and then try to act the legal hard man.
