Huge water bill. Help and advice please.

betterlatethannever

Hi, this maybe a little complicated to follow, but i'll try to be clear.

I moved to my present property a year ago- a two floor maisonette, above a shop.

When i moved in the LL said my water rates were included in the rent, as they had a water meter fitted in the shop and just one pipe into the place. This means he pays for all the water the shop uses, and any i use.

For the last year this has been fine, but today i recieved a massive water bill of £871- £656 for last year which has to be paid by 1st April 2010- yes i know its 6 days late already, but i only got the bill today.

I've spoken to the LL who says i should dispute the bill, but i wondered if anyone knows where i stand.

I'll be calling the water company later (after 6 when its free) and was wondering if i could have an assessor - or some such thing- around?

I've checked my TA and it states i'm responsible to CT, phone, elec but no where does it mention water- either for me or for the LLs responsibility.

The LL has had the property for a number of years and never had a water bill before.

I hope thats all the info needed, but if anyone can advise what the outcome maybe i'd be grateful.

Thank you

Cardew

Is the bill based on the Rateable Value(RV) - it will give the RV on the bill.

If so that RV is fixed and cannot be changed.

betterlatethannever

Thanks Cardew. Yes it is based on the RV.
I just don't get it that theres never been a bill for the premises before.

I'm off to call them now so hope to find out whats going to happen.

deanos

Does the meter in the shop definitely supply your flat ?

betterlatethannever

deanos wrote: »

Does the meter in the shop definitely supply your flat ?

This is where its gets confusing.
There's one pipe into the property and ALL water goes through the meter for the shop downstaires and for my property. The LL then pays the water bill.
Not sure if this is relevant, but when he runs his water downstaires i lose pressure. (just thinking that, that proves its one pipe- but maybe i'm being dumb)

I've spoken to United Utilities who are going to contact the LL now.

deanos

If the meter downstairs supplies your flat then the water is being paid for so cant see how then can charge you on RV.

I would run all your cold taps in the flat and look at the meter ensuring no water is being used in the shop , if its moving then its definitely supplying your flat.

I think you really need someone round from LL to have a look as some things cant be explained very well over the phone