Thames Water Meter - Estimated Readings

goldteeth

Hi.

I moved into a rented 1 bed flat on 30/06/21. I assumed the property did not have a meter as it wasn’t mentioned by the agency or landlord when we moved in. I contacted thames water to let them know I had moved in and waited for the first bill. The agency have mentioned since that they were aware of the meters existing, however, no one had ever checked them as they were inaccessible.

I received a bill covering the period from 30/06 to 26/09 (89 days) for £180 and the bill states this was based on an estimated reading on 30/06 and an engineer taken reading on 26/09. 

Confused, I contacted thames water and was told that the property was definitely metered, that it was my responsibility to check the reading on moving in, however, when I asked where the meters were, they said they were in a
shared underground pit and the only way to challenge the bill was to check them myself. I went looking and spoke to my neighbours, they really aren’t accessible.

When i queried how they had arrived at this  estimate as it seemed insanely high, they said it was based on a previous estimate. They’ve advised me to pay the bill and they will send someone out next month to check if the move in estimate was correct. They are also very keen for me to set up a direct debit but I would rather not until this is resolved.

Based on their calculations, my water bill is going to be around £68pcm, for two people
in a 1 bed. I cannot afford this. Is there a way to get out of this cycle of relying on
their incorrect estimates? The meters are completely inaccessible to the public. My neighbours do not submit meter readings, however, have said they have more reasonable estimates.

thanks for your help.

QrizB

From what you've written, the only estimate is their opening reading on 30/06. The latest reading on 26/09 was taken by their staff. It's possible that the actual meter reading on 30/06 was a lot higher than they've estimated and you're actually paying for some of the previous resident's water. It's unfortunate that you don't have your own opening reading as without one you'll struggle to challenge the bill.

Looking to the future, your next bill in 6 months time will have their confirmed reading as the opening and (hopefully) another actual reading for the end. If that bill is estimated you can take your own reading and ask for a correction.

In the meantime, if you want to keep your own running total (so you can predict your coming bill) you'll need to take periodic readings of your meter yourself. Whether you do this or not is up to you.

Cardew

Assuming just 2 people in the flat, there is no way that a couple would use £180 in less than 3 months(about £750) a year.

Your letting agency should have had the meter read when the last tenant moved out and ensured that they paid that bill before returning their deposit. As indicated above you are obviously paying for some of the previous tenants water consumption.

So I would insist that the letting agency/landlord contact Thames Water and get a revised estimated reading for 30/06/21.

kazwookie

Where is this inaccessible meter, if their engineer could get to it, is there any chance you can as well, and take your camera with you?

Cardew

goldteeth said:

Hi.
I received a bill covering the period from 30/06 to 26/09 (89 days) for £180 and the bill states this was based on an estimated reading on 30/06 and an engineer taken reading on 26/09. 

Confused, I contacted thames water and was told that the property was definitely metered, that it was my responsibility to check the reading on moving in, however, when I asked where the meters were, they said they were in a
shared underground pit and the only way to challenge the bill was to check them myself. I went looking and spoke to my neighbours, they really aren’t accessible.

The immediate issue is not getting about you getting access to the meter, but challenging the estimated reading on 30/06/21 which as said above should have been read by the letting agent/landlord when you moved in to the flat.

You will of course need access to the meter in the future, but again that is the job of the letting agent - they have tasks to perform other than taking the rent.

wild666

Why can't water companies not just put the meters near the tap that cuts off the water inside the house/flat? Mine is just before the stop tap in the flat YW do this so why can't other suppliers, I guess it's so they can claim a large amount in money when a leak occurs after the meter but before the stop tap. 

QrizB

wild666 said:

Why can't water companies not just put the meters near the tap that cuts off the water inside the house/flat? Mine is just before the stop tap in the flat YW do this so why can't other suppliers, I guess it's so they can claim a large amount in money when a leak occurs after the meter but before the stop tap. 

Water cos generally put their meter at the end of their pipe. If their pipe runs to the door of your flat, they'll put it there. If their pipe ends in the street in front of your house, they'll put it there.

pokora

Important that you put pressure in the letting agency otherwise you will ending paying for someone else bills and also if you have a leak you wont be able to challenge the consumption.