Do I NEED to sign up for a water account?

thunder401

Hi. Just moved into a new property. Last week I received a letter from Thames Water, it was addressed to “the occupier”. It asked me to register for an account with them. 

My question is, what would happen if I don’t? Is this like the tv license thing where as long as an account isn’t registered to a property then they’ll keep sending letters out inviting you to make an account? Is there any way that they’ll be able to cut my water supply off, I really doubt it but does anyone know for sure? I live in a tower block very high up. 

I’d appreciate any advice. No smart or nasty comments. Many thanks. 

unforeseen

No, you have a deemed contract and are liable to pay.
Unless you go totally off grid, they will be able to get your name and instigate court action for the debt that you build up by not paying.

It just makes life a lot easier if you set an account up. 

Cardew

Welcome to the Forum.

They will not cut off your water, but in certain circumstances they can reduce the flow to a trickle.

At the risk of being accused of being 'nasty' this is a money saving website and not for advice on avoidance of legal bills. 

JoannaAnna

Non payment for the water you use will also eventually affect your credit rating and get passed to a debt collection company who'll pursue until its paid.
You're best off sorting it now so you dont end up with a large accumulated bill that you'll end up having to pay later

matelodave

If you've got a water meter then you'd better go out and read it and send the reading and your details to the water company as soon as possible.
One of the biggest hazards of not registering with the water company is that you may end up paying for the previous tenants or owners water consumption if they didn't close their accounts properly. The other is as stated above, you could end up with a much larger bill than you anticipated, you may end up being taken to court and you may end up having your credit rating trashed.

The fact that you've got a letter "to the occupier" tends to suggest that bills may not have been paid in the past and you could end up copping the lot if you don't register with them and open your own account from the day you moved in.

theoretica

TV licenses you can easily and legally avoid paying for by not watching TV.  If you aren't going to be using the water or sewage best talk to the company as some won't charge unfurnished and vacant properties.

freesha

The water CAN be disconnected if they believe the property is empty......

Doesn't always happen, but I have known it to

_Jem_

matelodave said:

The fact that you've got a letter "to the occupier" tends to suggest that bills may not have been paid in the past and you could end up copping the lot if you don't register with them and open your own account from the day you moved in. 

Not strictly true about the letter, that suggests the previous person has payed and closed their account. 

HampshireH

Yes they do cut water off as someone said above if they believe a vacant property.

Takes a long time. 

Post to the occupier doesnt suggest the last person didnt pay. It just suggests they closed their account when they moved out.

At the risk of sounding nasty. Your responsible enough to live on your own you should be responsible enough to sign up to start paying your water bill

elsien

You are using the water and the sewage system.  Is there any particular reason why you feel you should be exempt for paying for them? 

macman

Whether you register or not, you are liable, as occupier, for all the utility bills. Water, gas and electricity. And also Council Tax. It's your responsibility to register, not theirs to guess that you have moved in.