New build, never received water bill, developer never provided opening readings

thetourist85

Hi,

I moved in to a brand new property in late 2011, that has a water meter.

Upon completion, it was still very much a building site (uncompleted roads etc) and at that point I enquired about when we would start receiving a water bill. The sales person for the housing developer advised it would be when "the roads were adopted by the local council". In hindsight, this now appears to be a load of rubbish, but not knowing any better I believed it at the time.

Based on what I was told I just assumed the first bill would come when it was due, and because the roads took over a year to be completed, I didn't assume anything was wrong, and to be honest it got somewhat forgotten about. Fast forward around 3 years after moving in and I realise there is still no bill, I figured it was time to chase the water company. I should probably point out that during this time, I did start putting money aside just in case.

After speaking to the water company, it turns our property was the only one on the street that wasn't registered with them.

What should have happened was that the developer should have provided us with an opening water meter reading that we then passed on to the water company for them to start billing.

This never happened.

After contacting our developer they've confirmed that they don't have record of an opening reading, and no record of correspondence to us.

So I'm not sure where I stand now. I think my dispute can only be between myself and the developer, as I believe the water company are legally entitled to bill the occupier of the property since completion date?

The main issue is, I don't know what the reading on the meter was when we moved in and I wonder how can the developer prove there wasn't a leak during the time they owned the property, for example.

The reading today was 328 cubic metres, which over ~3 years would seem reasonable for our 3 person family, and translates to about £1,300 based on the suppliers tariff, including surface drainage, sewerage, standing charges etc.

Paying the bill wont be a huge issue for me, but I don't really know how to approach things with the developer. Any advice on this situation would be appreciated.

Cardew

I doubt you have much of a case in law as you should have read the meter and contacted the water company. You might be able to get a 'goodwill' payment from the developer and your solicitor should have advised you about the water meter.

£1,300 based on the suppliers tariff, including surface drainage, sewerage, standing charges

For a property build 2011 it highly probable that you(and the rest of the estate) should not be paying for surface drainage.(SWD) The 'default' position imposed on the water companies, by the Water Act, is they must charge for SWD and the occupant claims relief.

Also you should not be paying at 2013 prices for the last 3 years supply. I suspect that the water company would be prepared to 'haggle' on your arrears if you are pleasant but firm.


P.S.
If you have problems with the water company contact the Consumer Council for Water

iwilldoitthistime

£1300 would sound about right - we are a 3 person family (both adults working full time) in a new build and pay approx. £35 a month. You will have to bear in mind that different Water companies charge different amounts (I think) - we are with Northumbrian water. HTH