Thames Water -Chasing for unknown debt

[dsurrey17]

Hi And many thanks for reading!

I need help regarding thames water chasing me for a debt.

I moved into a rented room in may 2013 on a 6 month contract. This house simply had a kitchen and a bathroom which were shared between 10 people. I left the property as per the tenancy agreement on the 1st of December 2013.
The contract mentioned 'The landlord will pay for gas, electricity, water etc etc'.

Much to my surprise i have received a bill for over £700.00 for the time period of August 2016-January 2017! When i have not lived in the property in well over 3 years!
There is also an 'Additional account holder' listed on this bill- The name i do not know of, it's not the landlords name.

Can they chase me for a water debt despite my contract stating it's the landlords responsibility to pay for the water?
Additionally i am concerned i have been signed up to a contract without having any knowledge of this!

If anybody could tell me how to respond to this letter that would be very helpful.
I am in the process of applying for a mortgage so this has come at a very stressful time.
Many thanks in advance!

[slainte caragh]

Re: Thames Water -Chasing for unknown debt

Hi,

this is my area of expertise and you are in a great deal of luck. You are my ideal customer as I would love someone with this much evidence to call me.

All you need do is write to them with proof you were at another address,council tax bill/other utility bill and proof of the agreement you had with your landlord.

Thames Water do have the right to check electoral registers etc to see who has been living in a property if no one takes responsibilty, so if you were ever registered for any bill, that's where they got your details. Or your landlord gave your name in which case they would take it in good faith.

Once it is proved via your documentary evidence that you are not responisible any markers etc will be removed and it will all be sorted

Call up and ask them for a topic number on your explaination that you did not live there and use this as a reference for your letter

Sorry I won't be able to answer your call, I no longer work there

Good luck

Callie