about to move into firdt home but not sure whether to go on water meter

Mrs_Rachel_Trelfa

Hi all,

Me and hubby get the keys to our first house next week and the current owners pay £40 a month for their warter which I assume is correct as its based on the type of house it is if that makes sense. £40 is twice what we are paying now(moving from rented 2 bed terrace to 3 bed semi) would it not be cheaper for us to ask the water company to install a meter and pay for what we actually use rather than what they think we use. How do we go about doing this. Also if we change our mind down the line can we revert back if its cheaper?

Cardew

Firstly, you might not have the option to remain on charges based on the Rateable Value.(RV). Utility firms can make fitting meters mandatory on change of occupant. Some enforce that provision - others don't.

If they don't enforce that provision and YOU apply for a meter, you can revert back to RV charges within 12 months(I believe 24 months with Anglian?)

You are best finding out and using annual costs as some companies don't split the annual charge over 12 months. So £40 a month could mean, say £400 not £480pa

You cannot assume that the RV charges are based on size of house. Without going into a history lesson on RV assessment, it is perfectly possible to have a(Band A council tax) 2 bed terrace paying more for their water than a(Band E) 4 bed detached. RV isn't a measure of property value.

Water charges vary tremendously across the various regions of UK. You need to find out the RV of the property, and compare that with metered charges based on an estimate of 55 cubic metres, per person, per year.(e.g. 110 cubic metres pa for a couple)*

All charges are shown on the Utility company website.

* many people claim to use far less water. Depends on your lifestyle.

Mrs_Rachel_Trelfa

Thank you for explaining that to me.