Can I get a water meter in my rental?

theartfullodger

mute point

Your pedantic correspondence writes.....

Re... "Moot Point" I think.... see (there are many if you care to Google it..)
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moot+point
&
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/moot_point

"Moot Point" is from "Moot", an Old English language (Anglo-Saxon) term for meeting.

Cheers!

Lodger

PS Note to myself... must get-a-life

PasturesNew

Since 1 April 2000 you have had the right to change to a water meter if you are renting for 6 months or more:

http://www.housingcare.org/downloads/kbase/1556.pdf

See page 3, Tenants:

"All these new rights are available to tenants as they are to other water customers. Landlords may not use tenancy agreements to stop tenants who pay their own water bills from choosing their method of charging"

I rent, a studio, my water rates were £40/month when I moved in. I had a meter fitted and now it's about £12-15/month (not sure as I don't really check my bills religiously, but I know I did do a quick check once and it was significantly lower).

prudryden

It's sort of funny that I have been trying to get my tenants to request a water meter, but, so far, only one lot have even bothered. The water company wouldn't install a meter, but they did lower the water charges to almost half by giving them the average usage.

Fire_Fox

G_M wrote: »

I disagree.
Installing a meter is, as the previous post says, permenant. The LL is stuck with it when you leave, even though
1) it might put off future tenants
2) it might lower the house value
3) if the LL moves in, he might not want one.

Not everyone likes/benefits form them.

The LL could argue the deposit should compensate him for the above if you have not requested permission.

AFAIK you can only deduct monies from a damage deposit for actual losses, not 'might'. Isn't a landlord expected to quantify his losses by providing quotes/ invoices to the DPS in the event of a dispute?

caeler

Thank you for all the responses. If I'm honest I now don't know what to do!

barnaby-bear

bluefuzzybug wrote: »

I started a thread about water charges here and I've applied for a Water Meter: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2077003

I've checked my AST and it says:

Not to:

8.5 tamper with the water, telephone, gas or electricity systems and installations serving the Premises; or

8.6 to change the gas, electric, water or telephone supplier (including change of telephone number assigned) to the Premises without the consent of the Landlord, which will not be unreasonably withheld; or

Does this now mean I can’t get a water meter?

Thanks in advance.

I’m not sure I can afford to stay long term if I can’t, it’s too expensive!

Loads of this is going to depend on the property if it's a 3-4 bed huse likely to rent to families then a water meter will put off tenants - if it's a 1-2 bed flat the likely tenants will more likely see it as a plus and putting to the landlord that it will make it more rentable will be an easier argument.... pushing on without permission likely to lead to confrontation and later disputes - if you are prepared to leave overe it that's also an argument to put to the landlord..... I'd like a water meter and will not be renewing - you may have a void, can I get one...

caeler

Its small 2 bed flat with no outside space. I'd like to avoid confrontation and my agreement in clear even though there maybe other rules about it so on balance it probably is the right thing to ask the Landlords permission.

Gwhiz

I've just moved into a 2 bed bungalow with no meter. LL very happy to let me get this done but interestingly the water company forms state IF you are on a AST for more than 6 months you do not need the LL permission.

In addition - some utility companies insist on a meter for rented property (Bournemouth for example) so may be worth asking yours anyway as that would solve all your issues.

prudryden

bluefuzzybug wrote: »

Its small 2 bed flat with no outside space. I'd like to avoid confrontation and my agreement in clear even though there maybe other rules about it so on balance it probably is the right thing to ask the Landlords permission.

In that case, a water meter should be an advantage to everyone. I am certain that the reference in your contract to "not tampering with the water ....." wasn't intended for a water meter. Out of politeness and good relations, just inform/ask your landlord. I guarantee I will be surprised if he doesn't say yes please and thank you. I certainly would. Even Thames Water, on their web site, states that you should inform your landlord.

caeler

My landlord has given me permission (in writing)! Phew thats the first hurdle, lets wait and see if installation is possible!!