Property converted into 2 flats & we're paying the whole house rate!

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macman wrote: »

So what are you going to do?

That is the $64 million dollar question.

So here's hoping that laying the facts out will help me sort things out...

1. Downstairs neighbour (who is renting/retired/on benefits) does not want a meter.
2. Us (upstairs owner occs) are certainly coming round to the idea. As you say, why not, it's free.
3. Water company have been charging us both the full RV rate for what was a shop for the last 6-7 years so it's not too outrageous to assume that we'll actually save money.
4. I suspect that both properties are on the same supply.
5. If we are on the same supply, we can go for assessed billling but metering won't be possible because of 4.
6. Chances of us kicking the proverbial bum of the developers are slim to diddly squat. They have disappeared into the ether.

Would writing to Northumbria Water be productive? :think:

Cardew

mrsdickie wrote: »

Would writing to Northumbria Water be productive? :think:

I suspect not.

The water company have done nothing wrong, the developer is at fault for not getting, or applying for, a meter.

It is not as if Northumbria Water pocket the extra money they have received from the two properties. Their revenue and hence profit is strictly controlled by the Regulator(Ofwat). Refunding either of you money would simply mean that money would be raised this/next year from all other customers who, like the water company, have done nothing wrong.

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I've accepted that I won't get the money back. What I want to try and work out is what to do *now*....

As I've already said...
1. my neighbour isn't keen getting a water meter
2. I strongly believe both flats are on the same supply, therefore we probably wouldn't be able to get each flat metered anyway.
3. We can forget about the developers, they didn't do what they were supposed to and thus, there's nothing much anyone can do about them. As I said, they are long gone...and I wouldn't let those !!!!!!s over the doorstep to look after a goldfish, nevermind something important like separating a water supply!

It would appear that our only option appears to be get Northumbria water out to do a survey and go for assessed supply(?) if we wish to try and reduce our bills.

Is this a correct assumption?

macman

Yes. What your neighbour wants is not your concern. I stress that you cannot apply for assessed billing until you have requested a meter and the survey has ruled it out. if a meter can be fitted, then that's what you'll get.
Your neighbour will continue on RV unless they also take action.
If you wanted a meter, then the freeholder would have to pay for dividing the system, if it's a joint supply as suspected.

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There is a joint freehold - we hold half and the downstairs landlord holds the other half.

macman

Then you both have to agree the work, and who is to pay for it, unless your freehold agreement says otherwise.
I can see why the other party might not want (or think they might not want) a meter, but not their objection to assessed billing. Given you are both paying the full RV, it's bound to be cheaper.

Cardew

macman wrote: »

Then you both have to agree the work, and who is to pay for it, unless your freehold agreement says otherwise.
I can see why the other party might not want (or think they might not want) a meter, but not their objection to assessed billing. Given you are both paying the full RV, it's bound to be cheaper.

Whilst IMO assessed is not bound to be cheaper, as it depends on the RV, the probability is you are correct.

However is easy to determine exactly which is the cheaper as both the RV rates and assessed rates are published on the internet.