So, my wife and I recently bought our first home (July). When we moved in, the previous owner informed us that they had been renting their hot water tank from an energy company for 15 years, and they did not own it. I had no intentions on continuing to rent the tank, as I would just feel more comfortable owning, and upgrading to a more energy efficient model (as stated, the current tank is 15+ years old, and it is a 120 gallon, industrial size tank).
I got the information of the company that owns it, from the side of the tank, called them, told them I didn't want to rent the tank, but I did offer to buy it out from them for a reasonable price. They called me back later that day, and offered a buy out for $50, and I accepted. If the tank lasted just 3 months, I got my money back, so it was a low risk return for me. I gave them my bank card information, and they informed me that they would have to transfer the account in my name before they could process the transaction, and I verbally agreed, but never agreed to any rental terms, and clearly stated I did not want to rent.
Fast forward 3 months later, I receive a bill in the mail from the company for 2 months past due rent, and the current month's rent for $75 and some change. I immediately call them, and they are saying that they reviewed the records, and the payment for the buy out was never processed (something they failed to follow up on) and they said I now owe the $75, and if I wanted to buy it out still, I had to pay the rental bill plus the $50. I refused to pay the bill, and told them to just come get the tank, as I am not interested in renting it, and they are saying they can't remove it with an unpaid balance on the account, and I have no choice but to pay it, or I will continue to rack up bills every month until they turn it over to collections.
Am I obligated to pay this bill, and if I just refuse to pay it, can this negatively effect my credit? I filled out zero paperwork. The only correspondence I have had with the company was the original phone conversation agreeing to buy it. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Submitted November 07, 2018 at 07:59AM by fmurphy92 https://ift.tt/2SR70jn
