Debt Recovery

[Gackt]

OKay, so I have somewhat of a dilemma. I was contacted, via post, by a Student Debt Recovery agency asking me to pay my rent. Which is fine. A couple of weeks ago, I borrowed some money from a friend and paid it all off. Straight with the landlord.

In the first letter I got from the debt recovery place, they said that they would charge me 10%+VAT if I don't respond/settle the debt. It was stupid, but I didn't reply to that, or any of their other letters.

Now, to be honest, all they've done is send me letters, threatening legal action, and now I've got a final warning saying that if I don't pay it, the total amount of £34.50, that they'll be taking it further.

What I'm wondering is, do I pay them? I didn't sign anything that says "if you don't pay the rent, your debt will be passed on blah blah", in fact, it says that it'll be taken from my other housemates. I don't really have that money to give them for some rubbish Admin charge. I'm unemployed, and having difficulty finding work. Also, can they do anything, especially over such a small amount?

I hate to post "zomg i ned halp!" threads, but there's a lot of more knowledgable people here.

Thanks, in advance.

 

[DB_SamX]

AH, a private debt collector. THey cannot enforce it legally. They'll keep sending threatening letters. You can quote them a nice piece of legislation (Protection From Harassment Act 1997. , Section 40 of the Administration of Justice Act 1970) that will get them to leave you alone. Only court appointed bailiffs can come round. Read here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/DebtsAndArrears/DG_10034289

Whilst you don't really have to reply to them, I would hope you got a receipt for the payment and just them a copy of it, as well as telling them to leave you alone.

 

[iaind]

Just phone them and tell them you've paid it...