I owe money for water although i've never opened an account with anybody! HELP

TigerJohn_2

Hello,
When i was living as a student i didn't pay water bills, now however (the house i lived in has been bought by a new landlord) i've been given bills for the time period i was there. I'm really perplexed as i've never set up a bill or an account with the water board so how can this be possible?

In addition whose liable for the bill as the account is addressed to me and then it says also liable (housemates names)

I'd really appreciate anybodys response as this is worrying me quite alot as its for a significant amount of money.


Thanks,

John

Cardew

This subject has just been covered in another thread.

Nobody these days signs a contract for an water, gas or electricity account.

If you use any of that water, gas or electricity you have entered a deemed contract for whatever you have used.

This deemed contract provision is laid down in the various Acts of Parliment so that someone moving into a property is connected for energy/water.

So someone is liable to pay for the water used during your occupation.

You might have a case to say the previous landlord was responsible, but unless that was in your rental agreement you will have difficulty making that stick!

TigerJohn_2

Hi, sorry that was probably me asking the same question.
So it won't just be me liable for the bill then will it?

Cardew

I would imagine that you are all jointly liable.

However I would be carefull how you approach the water company as you might well find them treating you as the sole account holder.

I would approach the Consumer Council for Water for advice.