Moriarty Law chasing utility bill I’m not liable for

[denizarik]

Hi all,

I’m being pursued by Moriarty Law for an alleged unpaid energy bill linked to a UK property I rented in 2018–2019. I now live abroad.

The bill is in my name, but:

• My tenancy agreement clearly states utilities were included in my rent.
• The landlord confirmed in writing he would deal with the bills.
• The debt dates extend beyond my tenancy.
• I never signed any contract with the energy supplier (Spark Energy, which I believe went bust and was taken over by OVO).
• I’ve asked Moriarty for a breakdown and account proof — no proper response yet.
• I’m concerned about my name being added fraudulently and now being chased abroad.

I’ve contacted OVO via SAR. I want to know if this is worth fighting or if I should consider getting a solicitor. Has anyone dealt with something like this?

Would be really grateful for advice. Thanks so much!

[atticus]

What does your landlord say? Why is he not paying this bill?

[echat11]

Hi Denizarik

Welcome to LB

Make a formal complaint to Moriarty Law, explain that they are breaching Data Protection Protocols as the information they have is incorrect.
Further they are chasing you for debt that you don't owe, which is 'harassment' under the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997.

Once you get a final response, if the matter isn't resolved (you should get some compensation), make a compliant to the ICO.

Follow Moriarty Law's complaints procedure which will be on their website.

Update when you get a response.

[PallasAthena]

How much money are they demanding?

Do you still have a signed copy of the tenancy agreement signed by LL? And the letter signed by the LL? If so include copies of those in your letter of complaint to Moriarty Law as evidence that you are not liable for the bill.

Best not to make accusations of fraud. If no-one has registered an account for a premises utility companies have a statutory power to identify who is living there, eg by checking credit records, and then set up an account in their name and bill them. That doesn't need occupier's agreement. It isn't fraud.

That could be what happened here if LL failed to set up a utility account in his name. So give them evidence LL is responsible and hope they go off and chase him.

[denizarik]

What does your landlord say? Why is he not paying this bill?

He is not responding to me unfortunately.

[denizarik]

Hi Denizarik

Welcome to LB

Make a formal complaint to Moriarty Law, explain that they are breaching Data Protection Protocols as the information they have is incorrect.
Further they are chasing you for debt that you don't owe, which is 'harassment' under the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997.

Once you get a final response, if the matter isn't resolved (you should get some compensation), make a compliant to the ICO.

Follow Moriarty Law's complaints procedure which will be on their website.

Update when you get a response.

They are constantly saying: "As I have advised previously, clause 3.2 suggests you are liable for the bill.
This is a dispute between you and your landlord. As the occupier you are held liable as per s144 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and your tenancy agreement is a separate matter.".

I have attached the parts of my contract that talk about the utility bills could you confirm that it does indeed state that bills are included in my rent and i wont be liable? I will raise a complaint after this just because i am becoming quite stressed about this.

[PallasAthena]

I don't understand why they quoting the Water Industries Act. Your question was about electricity/gas supplied by Spark Energy. Spark didn't supply water.

Please post the whole of section 3. Section 3.2 on its own doesn't tell us who is promising to pay the utility.bills.

[PallasAthena]

How much money are they asking you to pay?

What dates does that cover?

What dates did your tenancy agreement start and end?

[echat11]

{"data-align":"none","data-size":"large","data-attachmentid":1704183}

They are constantly saying: "As I have advised previously, clause 3.2 suggests you are liable for the bill.
This is a dispute between you and your landlord. As the occupier you are held liable as per s144 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and your tenancy agreement is a separate matter.".

I have attached the parts of my contract that talk about the utility bills could you confirm that it does indeed state that bills are included in my rent and i wont be liable? I will raise a complaint after this just because i am becoming quite stressed about this.

Can you edit out your personal details.