Thought our landlord paid our water bills!

jojozeff

Hey everyone, I'm hoping you'll be able to advise me on the matter!

Myself and partner moved into a privately rented, 2 bedroom flat about 6 years ago. The electricity and gas account with edf was transferred to our name, and I sorted out all the other bills, except the water, as our landlord had never received a bill in the year that he had lived in this new build.

6 years on, and our rent and bills have always been paid on time. I never gave the water a second thought as we never received a bill.

Then the other night theres a ring at the door and it's someone from Southern Water saying they had the address as unoccupied and was there to take our details. In the heat of the moment I said we'd been here for 6 months (I'll blame his "dodgy" hearing if I have to 😉) and gave him the rest of the details he needed.

I rung my landlord to let him know and he said he'll contact them at the start of the week.

I proceeded to dig out our tenant contract as I'm sure it said that the landlord will pay for water, hence we had never received a bill!

There were 2 parts of the contract that mentioned water bills, and now I'm confused, and if truth be told a little worried!

Under the tenants obligations:
To pay promptly to the authorities to whom they are due, council tax and outgoings (including water and sewerage charges, gas, electric, telephone and light relating to the property.

And....

Under the landlord obligations...
The landlord WILL pay for all water rates, including sewerage rates, assessments and outgoings in respect of the property (except for council tax and charges for the supply of gas or electricity, light and power or the use of a telephone.


I really have no idea where I stand or what to do, any advice muchly appreciated, thanks!

matelodave

Looks like a standard contract that hasn't been modified so it looks as you could both be liable as it doesn't make it clear who is wholly responsible.


You might end up having to pay half each and then get the contract amended so it's not ambiguous

Cardew

It is highly unusual for landlords to pay water bills.

amiehall

Cardew wrote: »

It is highly unusual for landlords to pay water bills.

I've actually had 2 separate tenancies where my LL has dealt with the water bill and we were responsible for all other bills. I think it may be more common than you realise.

That agreement is particularly confusing though... It should state explicitly who is responsible for paying what and clearly it doesn't. What has your LL said when you told them you thought they were responsible for the water bill?

Herongull

If he wording of the contract is ambiguous (and this wording is extremely ambiguous IMO), it is usually interpreted in favour of the party who did not draft it).

Assuming the contract came from the Landlord, it should be interpreted in your favour and therefore the landlord is liable for all the water rates.

samsmoot

The landlord must pay all water charges. The tenant must pay all due water charges to the authorities. Therefore the contract can be rendered unambiguous if the landlord hands the amount of the charges to the tenant and the tenant then pays the water company.