gas meter in stupid place

faerie_girl

I've been living in a privately rented flat with my partner for about 4 months now. It is a good size apart from the kitchen.

The gas meter (which is pre-payment) is situated beneath the kitchen surface which wasnt really a problem at first, then we got a washer after a month of my mum doing it

The only space for the washer is beneath the counter where the meter is.

the fridge is directly infront of the washer. the washer door/fridge door doesnt open fully (to give an idea of the space to you all)

there is about an inch gap between the washer and the meter

So.. we can't glance at the meter to see if we are ready to top up.

And when we do need to top up we have to try and slide the washer out (including turning off the water incase the pipes come off) and squeezing the washer at a stupid angle with the fridge. we either pull it all the way out or one of us stretches behind the washer to put our card in the meter.

AGGGHHH!!!

much stress and annoyance.

Is there anyway we can get this damn meter moved?? bearing in mind it is private rented. The electric meter is at the bottom of our stairs (we have out own entrance) it would be better if it went here. who would i go to get it moved, BG or the landlord.

Also because of the pipes going from the meter and to the combie boiler which is above the counter where the washer is the washer sticks out evenmore. It is so fustrating.

Sorry if this is long-winded. I am really annoyed about having this for about three months. Any advice would be appreciated

Faerie x

Cardew

See if you can change your account to a normal credit account - it will be cheaper anyway.

missile

It is quite an expense to move a meter. You could ask the landlord, but ........ unless maybe if you offer to pay some of the cost.

Ken68

For safety's sake, Faerie, you ought to have easier access.

faerie_girl

Thanks for the replies guys.

It is a real chore having to struggle and move the washer around,

however unfortunatly i dont have the funds to pay for it to be moved nor would i pay if i did as the lease is for 6 months.

Me and my boyfriend were actually thinking of getting a house from the same landlord inorder to get a bigger kitchen as it is totally inpractical. There is even a radiator down the side of the cooker!

If i get the opportunity i may post a pic of the kitchen so you can see for yourself how tiny it is.

faerie x

ic

I investigated having the gas meter that is in the corner of my room moved to the other side of the wall outside - it would have cost £500ish + the cost of the cupboard for it to live in. As suggested above, get switched to a normal meter (as long as the gas company agrees) - you'll save in the long run, and will only need access for reading the meter instead.