Meter access blocked by letting agents

AlexisV

This isn't specifically a money saving question, but I'm having a problem getting meter readings in order to correct the inaccurate estimated bills I've received.

I live in an old, large house which has been converted into 12 flats. The electricity, gas meters and telephone equipment are all kept in a locked room accessible from outside.

If I need a reading, I have to email the letting agents whose maintenance people post a reading through the door. This can be anything from 24 hours to 2 weeks after I've made a request from the letting agents.

I've been receiving inaccurate readings (3 digits one time, 5 digits the next) and my supplier is also asking for a meter serial number.

My question is, am I not entitled to a key, not least on safety grounds? A man from another gas company came to read another flat's meter the other week and I answered the door. I told him the situation and he was appalled. He told me I should have access at all times in case of emergency such as a leak.

I've asked the agents for a key with no response, and it takes over an hour to drive from work, to the agents for the key, to the flat, back to the agents and back to work. I did that once and had to take the afternoon off work. I'd wish I'd made a copy, but I didn't have time!

Am I legally entitled to a meter key?

roger56

Legally I do not know, but purely for safety you should have access
to be able to turn the gas off at the meter.

There may be some useful guidance points here:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/housing/disrepair_in_rented_accommodation.htm

AlexisV

Thanks for that. The only relevant bit seems to be:

You have a right to any services which you need to use the accommodation as your home, without any interference from your landlord

It's a pain!

Canucklehead

Hi

As a flat you MUST have an Emergency Control Valve in the flat. It is a requirement for the reason stated by roger56 except that you must have means of turning off the gas without having to leave the flat.
The ECV must be at the nearest point at which the gas enters the flat even if that means coming out of the floor and back down again .
You might have one and not know.?You shouldn't have a landlords gas safety cert without one.
Corgi Guy.

anniecave

I would ask to borrow the key, go and find your meter serial number and take a reading and take a copy of the key for the room where the meters are!

strawberrylane

Have you tried borrowing a key from a neighbour?