Time to cough up
Question
I've just moved out of a flat that I shared with one other person. The bills were in my name but we divided them equally. Now we've moved out my ex-flatmate is avoiding me and won't give me the money for the final bills. Can I just pay half to the companies and tell them he owes them the other half? Or is there anything else I can do to get the money?
Answer
The legal liability for the payment of utility bills (e.g. gas or electricity) is normally with the person whose name they are in. But the situation is slightly different regarding water rates. As you shared accommodation, the liability for the water rates is shared, even if the bill is only in one name. And the water company may seek to recover the arrears from all the people who lived at the property.
For the other bills, it is unlikely the utility companies would accept you paying just your share of the bills. But if you have to pay the full bills and want to claim your ex-flatmate's share back, you may be able pursue a claim through the small claims court.
If you choose to do this you may need to speak to a solicitor. You can find local legal advice through the Community Legal Service (CLS) or you can talk to an advisor at your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Updated: 15/04/2010
Question answered by Shelter
