Landlord won't provide meter readings

dh_mcr

Hi,

my landlord is not providing me meter readings for any of my utilities - he doesn't reply to text messages and ignores my calls. On the rare occasion that he does reply, he says that he will do the readings, but then he never does.

I'm unable to do the readings myself and I don't even know where the meters are located.

As a result I'm stuck on estimated bills and I'm paying masively over the odds.

Is there anything that I can do?

poppysarah

Ask the neighbours. I@m assuming you're in a flat as a house meters would be pretty obvious.

Do you get a bill?

westv

Why can't you do the readings yourself? Presumably you've looked for the meters.

I assume this thread isn't a wind up.

dh_mcr

Yes,

an old house converted into flats. I can only assume the meters are in the basement but as far as I can tell, it's a basement flat. I also think the meters are locked away.

I get estimated bills for gas, water and electricity, from the suppliers.

Werdnal

Have you asked the other tenants if they know? Do they get similar estimated bills?

My understanding is that if your are being billed direct from the utility companies, you must have your own meter somewhere!

If you have a water meters for instance, are usually on the main water inlet pipe to each flat. Ours is in the bottom of the airing cupboard. Or it could be outside under a little hatch, but as the property has been converted to a house, it is more likely inside your flat somehwere.

vax2002

Thats the problem sorted then, call the supplier and demand that the meter is read.
How they do it is the landlords problem.

poppysarah

Ask the other flat people whether they have access.

Write and ask the landlord for access to the meters on a regular basis.

Mrs_Arcanum

If there is a white box on the outside requiring a triangular key you can get a new one sent from the utility supplier. In addition if the bills are in your name then you have the right to know the readings (these should be done at least once or twice a year by a meter reader) and you can choose your own supplier. If the LL is re-billing you for utilities you need to see the bills.

Would even try arranging an appointment with a meter reader who should know where the meters are likely to be (usually not far from where the supply comes in to the house).

You might also be able to find out who the old style utility providers were who should know exactly where the meters are.

dh_mcr

Werdnal wrote: »

Have you asked the other tenants if they know? Do they get similar estimated bills?

No, that will have to be my next step. I would assume they're in the same situation, unless he just dislikes me for some reason!

Werdnal

You could point out to the LL, that if your estimated bill is under what your actual usage is, he could be left with the difference when you move! In reality this is unlikely as if bill is already in your name, utilities would chase you for the debt, but he may not know that!

dh_mcr

I've already tried contacting the utility companies who say there's not much they can do (I don't think it's due for the annual reading). I've had meter readers round but they were unable to find anything in my flat or contact the landlord.

I will have a more detailed look within my flat for meters, but I'm sure they're within the basement flat.
I think I will also see if I can get in there, or at least talk to the occupant.