Need to pay debt collectors fees?

[Clearance103]

Is it fair to withhold payment of an invoice while you are awaiting answers to questions about it?

I got an invoice from a new block management company for where I live. I was surprised with the new charges so wrote back with questions. They emailed to say they'd get back to me. That was two months ago, now I've just got a letter before claim from a debt collector with £100s of extra charges and fees.

Immediately on getting the debt letter, I contacted the block management people and they answered my questions. I paid the original bill the same day (direct to them, not the debt collectors) but they are saying that I still need to pay the debt collectors fees as I didn't pay within their deadlines to pay. I'm arguing that I was waiting for their answers before paying, but they still say I need to pay. I really don't want a CCJ. Who's in the right here?

[echat11]

Is it fair to withhold payment of an invoice while you are awaiting answers to questions about it?

I got an invoice from a new block management company for where I live. I was surprised with the new charges so wrote back with questions. They emailed to say they'd get back to me. That was two months ago, now I've just got a letter before claim from a debt collector with £100s of extra charges and fees.

Immediately on getting the debt letter, I contacted the block management people and they answered my questions. I paid the original bill the same day (direct to them, not the debt collectors) but they are saying that I still need to pay the debt collectors fees as I didn't pay within their deadlines to pay. I'm arguing that I was waiting for their answers before paying, but they still say I need to pay. I really don't want a CCJ. Who's in the right here?

If you've complained / logged a dispute, then everything should be on 'hold', whilst they investigate the complaint / dispute and you await a response.

There will be Terms & Conditions regarding complaints / disputes and fee payments, check those, see what it says.

Also remember even if there are T & C's, they may be 'unfair'.

[Clearance103]

Thank you. I really appreciate your quick reply. I've struggled to find the answers elsewhere on the internet.

[R0b]

Who is the letter before claim coming from, the management company or the debt collector?

[Clearance103]

The letter before claim is from a no-win-no-fee debt collector

[PallasAthena]

I've never heard of a no-win-no-fee debt collector.

Can you upload a copy of the letter here please. Cover up anything that would identify you before you upload it (including any claimant reference numbers or bar codes).

[atticus]

some debt collectors take payment by results, usually a cut of the takings.

[Clearance103]

They have withdrawn the claim. Thank you again for your help.

[echat11]

They have withdrawn the claim. Thank you again for your help.

Well done, great result.