Esther

Esther0

Hello, thank you very much, you have helped me a lot so far. Now I am turning to you with another question and request. I have a problem with Thames Water, they are demanding 2,642.28 pounds from me, citing debt. In 2020, I moved into the current apartment with my daughter and two grandchildren. Thanks to legal proceedings, it turned out that our apartment contract cannot be considered an official document. My daughter had already left the property due to constant harassment and threats. I became ill, I could not keep up with them, in the meantime it turned out that the landlord is accusing me of a lot of debt. PL: Thames Water! The landlord divided the property into two apartments under the name of property renovation, which he did not inform the municipality or the service providers. Therefore, when I asked Thames Water to install a water meter for the apartment, they said, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE!!!! Because the separation of the house did not officially happen! I reported it everywhere years ago (including to Thames Water). I LIVE ALONE IN THE PROPERTY! I paid 20 pounds every month. But, because they can't do a water meter, they agreed with the landlord that I would have to pay the usual general cost. Thames Water has since notified me, understood the problem, but someone has to pay, so they handed over the debt to the ADVANTIS debt collection company, who warned me that if I don't want to have bigger problems for myself, e.g. bank account etc., then I should pay the debt quickly. My question is, who can I talk to about this matter, because it's clear that these two have joined forces and want money. Forgive me if my letter is a bit long, but I think you understand the point, I had to write all this down, thank you for your patience and help Esther.

Albus_Scope

Hey there @Esther0 I'm sorry to hear about your situation with Thames water, that sounds very unfair and stressful. I'm afraid I can't be of much use other than support as I'm not legally trained. I'd suggest maybe speaking to someone from Citizens Advice?

MW123

@Esther0

Esther, to start resolving this issue, get in touch with Thames Water and request the direct email address for their complaints department. Once you have it, send them an email, making it clear that you are submitting a formal complaint. Explain the property division issue, your efforts to install a water meter, and why you believe the charges are incorrect and are being disputed by you. Be sure to keep a copy of everything you send and receive for your records.

Next, it’s very important to contact Advantis by email or letter to inform them that the debt is in dispute. Do not do this by phone, it must be in writing. Clearly state that you do not accept responsibility for the debt and that you will not make any payments until Thames Water fully investigates and resolves the issue. It’s essential to put this in writing (either by email or a special delivery letter) and if posted keep a copy of the Post Office receipt.

By law, debt collectors must pause recovery efforts if you challenge the debt with valid reasons, and they must stop any attempts to contact you or collect the debt while it is being disputed, investigated, and resolved.

If it turns out, after the investigation, that you do owe some money, you can ask Thames Water to set up a payment plan that works for you. If you need help with any of the above, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice.