67% increase in water bill

leitmotif

My latest water bill is 67% higher than last year's bill (up from £540 to £900). I can't get a water meter fitted as my landlord won't allow it. I'm not eligible for any kind of social tariff. I know I can't challenge the rateable value, but is it possible to challenge the 'charge per £ of the rateable value'? The standing charge is only £100, so the bulk of the bill is down to them charging 230% per £ of the rateable value.

Brie

I didn't think a landlord could stop you from getting a meter.  have you asked the water company directly?

QrizB

leitmotif said:

I know I can't challenge the rateable value, but is it possible to challenge the 'charge per £ of the rateable value'?

No, that is all part of the charging structure that your water company agreed with Ofgem. It's not open to challenge by individual households.

Brie said:

I didn't think a landlord could stop you from getting a meter.  have you asked the water company directly?

It might depend on whether the meter is installed on the landlord's property or eg. under the pavement on the street in front of the property.
Water meters aren't treated in quite the same way as electricity and gas meters are, as I understand it.

la531983

To be fair how would your landlord ever know you had a meter fitted until you left?

He couldn't deduct from your deposit.

paradigital

Can you not request to be considered for assessed charges instead of a fixed rate, essentially billing you what you would be on a meter?

MattMattMattUK

paradigital said:

Can you not request to be considered for assessed charges instead of a fixed rate, essentially billing you what you would be on a meter?

You cannot go onto assessed charges unless the supplier is unable to fit a water meter, this is not a situation where the supplier is unable to fit a meter.

freesha

If your tenancy is longer than 6 months, you do not need landlord permission to install a meter.

MattMattMattUK

freesha said:

If your tenancy is longer than 6 months, you do not need landlord permission to install a meter.

Slightly correct, my understanding is you do not if it does not require any alterations to the property, but for example if it means the drive needs to be dug up, the kitchen cupboard needs to be cut open etc. then you would still need the landlords permission.