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Leaving owners lied about the water meter amount, 3 months later I get a bill. It's massive!

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Posts: 192 Forumite


We moved into our new flat at end of June this year.
Previous owners had been there 6 years (it was a new build)
Previous owners had been there 6 years (it was a new build)
To be honest, we had a fractious relationship with the previous owner, which is relevant to this post.
When we moved in, the estate agent asked for the water meter readings so the previous owner could let Thames water know.
I took a photo of the meter and emailed it to the estate agent who would have forwarded it on.
I still have this email.
I still have this email.
Three months later, we have our first bill which states the meter reading he gave.
He lied, massively.
He lied, massively.
Thames Water said that a final meter reading had been given at 427units on 23rd June. but my photo on moving day shows 840units.
This difference is going to cost well over a £1,000+
Speaking to Thames Water they said the previous owners, never gave meter readings, only estimates were used.
Except, the only meter reading they did give was when they moved out!
Except, the only meter reading they did give was when they moved out!
Which means they saw my reading in the photo, and then lied.
Thames Water were a bit 'slow' with understanding this. Kept saying is there a leak? Whereas I say that the readings were wrong and this is a legal issue now.
What can I do, will my email with a photo be enough evidence?
Has anyone else had this issue?
Will we be liable for all this?
It's all rather stressful
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks
What can I do, will my email with a photo be enough evidence?
Has anyone else had this issue?
Will we be liable for all this?
It's all rather stressful
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks
--- Hitting the thanks button as often as is needed ---
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Comments
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your email and photo should be enough evidence. the photo will have meta data proving when and where it was taken as will the email header.
if it isnt then you can come back with what they say (why they wont accept it) and we can help you with your response.
you gave the picture to the estate agent. the estate agent will have passed it on as a picture or in an email/message. and it might have gotten typed or read wrong. or maybe they didn't send it and the seller guessed based on previous estimates to close the account. or they got the numbers mixed up with the gas meter reading (have you checked the other readings or are they smart?). lots of ways a number could be wrong without it being attempted fraud.Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. Anne Lamott
It's amazing how those with a can-do attitude and willingness to 'pitch in and work' get all the luck, isn't it?
Please consider buying some pet food and giving it to your local food bank collection or animal charity. Animals aren't to blame for the cost of living crisis.1 -
I have never given my supplier (Yorkshire Water) a meter reading, ever. You got me worried now lol. I have just checked my last bill and it says.....
"16 Aug 22 0 0 4 1 8 Meter serial number: *********** Read by us electronically"
For some reason i am always on top of my gas and elec readings, but the water never crossed my mind!
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CanNeverThinkOfAUsername said:I have never given my supplier (Yorkshire Water) a meter reading, ever. You got me worried now lol. I have just checked my last bill and it says.....
"16 Aug 22 0 0 4 1 8 Meter serial number: *********** Read by us electronically"
For some reason i am always on top of my gas and elec readings, but the water never crossed my mind!1 -
It seems odd to me that you didn't give your meter reading to the water company directly. Whenever I've moved in the past I've contacted the utility companies to give them my details for billing and meter readings. Are you billed directly or through the estate agent?1
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You should have submitted the reading for the day you moved in as soon as your water account was set up1
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Swipe said:You should have submitted the reading for the day you moved in as soon as your water account was set up0
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I've had a meter for over 20 years and I've never submitted a reading, I assume a Wessex Water representative comes and lifts the cover set in the pavement and reads it every 6 months. I pay by DD, get a bill every 6 months and it's always +/- £10. Is it different in flats?I’m a Senior Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Competition Time, Site Feedback and Marriage, Relationships and Families boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com All views are my own and not the official line of Money Saving Expert.0
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@Misslayed i think once you're set up with the company you are right,,, this is just establishing the starting reading for when you first move in,2
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Misslayed said:I've had a meter for over 20 years and I've never submitted a reading, I assume a Wessex Water representative comes and lifts the cover set in the pavement and reads it every 6 months. I pay by DD, get a bill every 6 months and it's always +/- £10. Is it different in flats?
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