Do I have to have a new water meter

Legacy_user

Hi,

I got the estimate from the water company, I'm fine with it. I generally overpay in my payment card anyway. Now they are bugging me because they couldn't access the meter. I often work at night so it's a real hassle for me to let people into my flat at any time in the day, I am asleep and I don't hear anyone knocking the door and I'm certainly not going to miss out on sleep for them to read a meter when their estimat is only out by one number and I'm paying a tiny amount more than I should. I just want them to leave me alone. They are keeping on bugging me though saying they are sending someone to assess my meter to be changed to one readable from outside. I live on the top floor in a block of flats. They can't access the outside unless they have a massive ladder.

I just want them to leave me alone.

What is the law and what are my rights here?


Edit: I am a council tenant

wavelets

tremault wrote: »

Hi,

I got the estimate from the water company, I'm fine with it. I generally overpay in my payment card anyway. Now they are bugging me because they couldn't access the meter. I often work at night so it's a real hassle for me to let people into my flat at any time in the day, I am asleep and I don't hear anyone knocking the door and I'm certainly not going to miss out on sleep for them to read a meter when their estimat is only out by one number and I'm paying a tiny amount more than I should. I just want them to leave me alone. They are keeping on bugging me though saying they are sending someone to assess my meter to be changed to one readable from outside. I live on the top floor in a block of flats. They can't access the outside unless they have a massive ladder.

I just want them to leave me alone.

What is the law and what are my rights here?


Edit: I am a council tenant

If you want to be left alone, I suggest you agree to their kind offer of a new meter remotely readable.

The alternative is being bothered by them evey 6 months because they can't obtain a meter reading.

They won't need a ladder for the remotely readable meter - they can usually be read simply by drive-by

System

ok, i feel like you missed the part where i said i work at night and need to sleep during the day.

I'm not looking for advice on what people think might be practical, i want to know what the law is and my rights.

Cardew

tremault wrote: »

I'm not looking for advice on what people think might be practical, i want to know what the law is and my rights.

Regulations are here:


https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1988/1048/contents/made


The obvious reason why access to water meters could be required is to check for tampering with the meter. (bypassing or using a 'spare meter')


As much as this is unlikely in a flat, refusal to accept a meter capable of being remotely read could be construed as suspicious.



Under certain circumstances the Council(as owners) can demand access to your property.

wavelets

tremault wrote: »

ok, i feel like you missed the part where i said i work at night and need to sleep during the day.

I'm not looking for advice on what people think might be practical, i want to know what the law is and my rights.

No, I don't believe I did miss anything.

You were obviously awake at 5:55 PM on Monday, and your water supplier may be able to make you an evening appointment for around this time of a weekday,

Surely making a suitable appointment during one day to forever be left in peace is better than being disturbed everytime a meter reader wishes to gain a meter reading?
Ultimately, if you fail repeatedly to grant the supplier access to their meter, they may start to think something more sinister is occurring, and may seek a court order to empower them to access the meter and/or disconnect you.

This is not the place to seek legal advice. May I suggest you consult a solicitor to understand the legal position if that is what you wish to have clarified.

Norman_Castle

They are keeping on bugging me though saying they are sending someone to assess my meter to be changed to one readable from outside. I live on the top floor in a block of flats. They can't access the outside unless they have a massive ladder.

I just want them to leave me alone.

They can fit a wireless meter which is read via a radio signal, no ladders needed. The meter swap will take about 30 minutes. They will then be able to read your meter at any time with zero input from you.

System

thank you for your feedback everyone.
I understand the best way forwards now.
I will contact them and tell them they can come and fit a remote meter in an evening.