The Balifs

[cris r]

Hi a Question We rented our house out for three years. We moved back in six months ago and today we recieved four letters from an agency looking for unpaid council tax monies. ( for a district in London ) Although the letters were addressed to the occupier it stated the previous tenants name on the letters. My husband is worried as they say they will be calling to take goods to the value of. What are our rights. I have phoned the company up to explain and they said fine but wanted our council tax account number which I refused ( I dont know who they are ) He said he understood my reluctance to give out my details. But he said they may still call to verify our details. is there anything else i should have done..... Many Thanks x

[themas]

Contact the Council Tax Dept. of the local authority & tell them what has happened. If you know an address for your ex-tenants give it to them. Ask them to withdraw the matter from the bailiffs.

[chrissa1]

And don't let them in your house!!!!!

[cris r]

Yes I did that I think that i have covered all the bases. The council tax office said as it is a council issue they would pass the previous tenants address on to the london council ( we live n wales ) but they would not give that information to the agency I just hope they dont come a calling
...... and no I wont let them in Thanks x

[tonywiltshire]

It should have been in your tenancy agreement that the tenants are responsible for paying council tax. If they do not pay the LA will go to the Magistrates court and obtain a liability order this gives them the authority to take action for non payment of council tax which in your instance will probably have been passed to a firm of private bailiffs, collection of council tax is a major form of income for private bailiff companies. If payment is not made when the bailiff calls on the correct people and they gains access by peaceful means they can size goods (statutory distraint) and sell them to recover the amount owing plus their charges.

If you are not named in the liability order no action can be taken against you. I suggest you write to both the LA and bailiffs and explain the position all action should then cease.

[themas]

If you want to be sure the London Council has been given the information I suggest you ring them. It is them who must withdraw the matter from the bailiffs.