"OLD" Water bill! ?

[djtdjt]

Just had a bill from a water company for a property that i sold early in 2007, how did they find me and how genuine is this bill? can they prove i owe it (can i?) TIA.

[Jan1957]

I had this problem with British Gas and they set debt collectors on to me. In the end I just got a copy of the title from the Land Registry (£4.00) which showed when I sold it. They then chased the new owner.

[cathfromsaron]

which financial year is it from and did you own the property then?
if you did not ... ditto above, if you did, get copy statements from your bank to prove you paid.

cath x

[MickeyTheBrick]

When there's a drought on, the water companies limit our water. Just tell them that you've got a money drought. Seriously, though, just wait until you get some more letters from them before doing anything.

[gingejbee]

...and on the bill it should state the date for which you are being asked to pay the water charges.If this is after you sold the property, then do as Jan suggests or provide some other proof to them.

[gingejbee]

....and, NO, don't wait for more letters to arrive first - they may be from debt collectors.

[djtdjt]

There are no dates on the bill as to when it is supposed to be for, could write and ask? then check it i guess.

[MickeyTheBrick]

After you get a first request for payment and don't pay, you will NOT get a debt collector's letter next. The water company will send at least three more letters requesting payment, before they retain the services of a debt collector.

[gingejbee]

Mickey: That's as maybe, but any sensible person would want this situation sorted sooner rather than later. There's nothing to be gained by ignoring a request for payment until things turn unpleasant - unless you particularly want to wind people up?