Water company isn't aware of property I rent

MarkFromTheUK

I've just moved into a converted property which the local water company isn't aware even exists. The landlord said that in the 10 years her mother was living in it before she died, she didn't have a single water bill. I personally found this wrong and when I insisted that I wanted to pay the bill during my tenancy, she started threatening to evict me and claim damages off me etc. Do you think I should tell them (I don't want to risk having to pay for 10 years worth of water when I've only been here 3 weeks and I certainly don't want to be evicted) or should I wait and do it when my tenancy is up in 3 months time?

Obviously I want to tell them as it's morally wrong as it puts the bills up for everyone but at the same time, I can't afford to be evicted. However, if I wait till the end of my tenancy, I don't want to be fined or something either. What would you guys do?

HappyMJ

MarkFromTheUK wrote: »

I've just moved into a converted property which the local water company isn't aware even exists. The landlord said that in the 10 years her mother was living in it before she died, she didn't have a single water bill. I personally found this wrong and when I insisted that I wanted to pay the bill during my tenancy, she started threatening to evict me and claim damages off me etc. Do you think I should tell them (I don't want to risk having to pay for 10 years worth of water when I've only been here 3 weeks and I certainly don't want to be evicted) or should I wait and do it when my tenancy is up in 3 months time?

Obviously I want to tell them as it's morally wrong as it puts the bills up for everyone but at the same time, I can't afford to be evicted. However, if I wait till the end of my tenancy, I don't want to be fined or something either. What would you guys do?

What would I do?

I'd keep quiet. Who really cares? You inform the water company and you WILL get a section 21 notice requiring possession. I would not antagonize the landlord whilst also wanting a roof over my head.

You WILL NOT be fined. It's a civil matter.

You WILL NOT be asked to pay for 10 years of water usage. You can only be asked to pay for water usage from the moment they install a meter.

Someone will be paying water rates on the property based on the whole properties rateable value. Leave it like that. You are not liable for your portion of the converted property.

Flt._Lt._Biggles

MarkFromTheUK wrote: »

I've just moved into a converted property which the local water company isn't aware even exists. The landlord said that in the 10 years her mother was living in it before she died, she didn't have a single water bill. I personally found this wrong and when I insisted that I wanted to pay the bill during my tenancy, she started threatening to evict me and claim damages off me etc. Do you think I should tell them (I don't want to risk having to pay for 10 years worth of water when I've only been here 3 weeks and I certainly don't want to be evicted) or should I wait and do it when my tenancy is up in 3 months time?

Obviously I want to tell them as it's morally wrong as it puts the bills up for everyone but at the same time, I can't afford to be evicted. However, if I wait till the end of my tenancy, I don't want to be fined or something either. What would you guys do?

Very interesting.

Could I enquire as to why you would believe the water company would not know the property exists?

Does Royal Mail know the property exists?

What about the local council? Or is there no council tax being paid either?

There might be an issue on you getting insurance cover (e.g. contents) on an address that doesn't officially exist too.

Have you tried to register on the electoral roll at this property?

So what address is on the Tenancy Agreement???

Any unigue electricity supply to this address? Or maybe that is why you've not returned since first joining and making your inaugural post - batteries don't last forever do they? :cool: