Can a company add admin fees and interest to an invoice with no notice?

[BerylStreep]

I have just received an invoice from a window company who provided and installed windows for us 18 months ago.

There was a £200 balance as there was work still to be completed. The work was completed, but we never received an invoice for the remaining £200.

I got a letter today, asking for payment of the balance, and also £137.50 which represents a late payment charge and interest.

I'm happy to pay the balance, but not the interest and admin charge, given this is the first correspondence we have received. Can the company do this? Are they chancing their arm?

Bump anyone?

You really need to go back to look at the original agreement and terms. It may have had a provision requiring you to pay the balance on completion of the work irrespective of whether you received an invoice or not, and it may have included some provision for payment of interest and admin charges. But you should pay the £200 now anyway.

I have sent a cheque for £200 along with a letter saying that since we have not been given a reminder, or any notice of interest or late payment charges, we expect that the payment of the balance will be final settlement.

Hope that works.