Estimated opening reading

JamesN

hi all

In a tough predicament. Moved into our new place in February. Estate agents said they contacted the water company to advise them we had moved in. I assumed this includes giving an opening water meter reading.

I've had the first bill through from stwater and it is double what I usually pay per month versus our old place. Our old place had an extra bathroom and the shower far more powerful. As you can imagine I was shocked when the bill came through.

With that in mind, I can only assume the estimate was wrong for the opening reading. I also note that the actual reading is higher than the check I've just done (actual was about 3 weeks ago apparently).

Can anyone offer any advice? Seems unfair that stwater can use an estimate with no back up. I've asked what the previous readings were from the last owners but they moved out back in September whilst my landlord refurbed the property.

Many thanks

cajef

When you move into any property it is your responsibility to read all the meters and inform the utility companies of the date you moved in and give them the readings, this ensures you receive correct billing, how is it unfair, if they don't know the readings they can only give an estimated bill based on previous usage.

Cardew

Why is it unfair?

You have to take responsibility for having the meter read by yourself, or your agent, on the day you move in.

If you are to pay less, the landlord or previous occupant have to pay more! Would that be a problem? - I think we know the answer!

JamesN

Cardew wrote: »

Why is it unfair?

You have to take responsibility for having the meter read by yourself, or your agent, on the day you move in.

If you are to pay less, the landlord or previous occupant have to pay more! Would that be a problem? - I think we know the answer!

But they estimated the start reading. Surely it should be actual if they had an actual closing reading. Why should i potentially pay for theirs in the reverse scenario. The agent gave me the impression they took the readings as they supplied the game and electric ones to the supplier as well.

It would be interesting to know what the estimate is based on as the future bills will definitely be less, on that basis, how could they justify their estimate if it doesn't tie in with future averages. Obviously I can only prove that going forwards but legally how come they can guess but we have no recourse. That seems unfair.

t0rt0ise

Have you explained the situation to the water company? If they have a mind to they could do a better estimate.

cajef

JamesN wrote: »

. I assumed this includes giving an opening water meter reading.

That was your first mistake, never assume anything as said it is your responsibility.

JamesN wrote: »

But they estimated the start reading. Surely it should be actual if they had an actual closing reading.

How else do you think they could estimate the readings, even if they used the outgoing persons readings that was last September, if the landlord has been refurbishing the property how much water do you think they have used since then and you moving in?

Sorry to say this but you seem very naïve for someone that claims to be a Chartered Accountant.

JamesN

cajef wrote: »

Sorry to say this but you seem very naïve for someone that claims to be a Chartered Accountant.

Not sure how you can base an opinion of someone on one comment but you are entitled to your opinion, as rude as it may be.

When the property is managed and a significant fee is charged i'd say it is perfectly reasonable to expect that when they say they are going to set up the water account for you, they sort the opening reading as part of that, seeing as they did this when setting up both the gas and electric accounts.

Anyway, I called STwater and to their credit, they were very reasonable about it. They are going to take an average of the readings between two dates and use that as the reading. That's all I was hoping for. The email they sent me suggested this wouldn't be an option thus my rant, but I guess it shows it is always better to call.

Thanks to those with helpful comments.

macman

Do you really think an estate agent is going to crawl about on the pavement taking meter readings? Dream on.
'Managing' a property does not include registering for the utility and other accounts: water, gas, electricity, phone, council tax-they are the responsibility of the occupier alone. Even when an agent does take readings they invariably screw it up-much better to do it yourself than deal with the mess afterwards.
An agent can only provide your name: they cannot set up DD's, pick a tariff etc, so it's pointless to ask them to do any of this.

Majestic12

macman wrote: »

Do you really think an estate agent is going to crawl about on the pavement taking meter readings? Dream on.
'Managing' a property does not include registering for the utility and other accounts: water, gas, electricity, phone, council tax-they are the responsibility of the occupier alone. Even when an agent does take readings they invariably screw it up-much better to do it yourself than deal with the mess afterwards.
An agent can only provide your name: they cannot set up DD's, pick a tariff etc, so it's pointless to ask them to do any of this.

Some of the better agents/landlords do inventories. Especially if the property is empty, the agents usually take closing readings which are giving to the incoming tenant.