Unpaid bill and debt recovery firm... help!

[susan2006]

I need some advice regarding debt recovery and unpaid bills. A few years ago I was sharing a student house with 3 'friends'. At the end of the tenancy we moved out and sorted out the bills (so I thought). What appears to have happened is that the person responsible for one of the utility bills cancelled it a month or so before moving out (and settled the bill) so effectively we had a month of no-one being on the bill. At the time I was totally unaware of this. Some time afterwards I received a bill in my name. The utility company told me that the landlord had informed them that I was the bill payer.
I have now been receiving debt recovery letters which have been sent to my parents address. Most recently a postcard arrived saying thay'd be visiting the house in a couple of weeks time. I've no idea where the other tenants are living now.
What are my rights here? No contract exists between me or the supplier (verbal or written). The house has now been sold (presume landlord cannot be contacted). I've heard that they will pursue anyone named on the bill for the full amount. Obviously I'd rather not pay the share for the other tenants but I am prepared to pay my share.
Should I call their bluff and wait for them to take me to court? Will it affact my credit rating? I've not lived at my parents house for years.
Any help would be appreciated.

[myvesta-sean]

Hi Susan2006,

This is a very common scenario however unfortunately if the bill is in your name then you are legally liable to pay it. I would suggest that you contact the debt recovery company that is chasing for payment on the account and make a payment arrangement with them if you can not aford to pay it off immediately. I would also suggest that you enter a notice of explaination on your credit file so that lenders can understand the reasons for non payment on this account. You can obtain a copy of your credit file from Experian, Equifax or Call Credit credit eference companies.

Hope this helps!

Regards

Sean

http://www.myvesta.org.uk

[Kathyan]

If you didn't enter into an agreement with the utility company then you are not responsible for the bill. I can't believe that they are chasing you for the money on the say so of the landlord. Contact CAB and ask for their advice. Good luck!

[buildersmate]

Agree with Kathryn. Are you sure it wasn't you who originally signed the agreement with the Utility Supplier? - that would be the usual scenario for this sort of chasing action.

[buckaroo2]

No, I never entered into any agreement. The utility company have said that the landlord gave them my details. CAB here I come! Thanks for the answres.