water bill for previous property owner

crackle999

Hi,


I've purchased a property and I've just received a water bill under the old owners name.

The total bill is for £500+ for the period 01/04/08 to 31/03/2009. This bill also includes a "balance brought forward" for around £260.

Do I have to settle this bill? Or just for the period 01/04/08 - 31/03/09?


Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

Cardew

Welcome to the Forum.

Your obviously do not have a meter and the bill they send is for the year in advance.

The brought foward element is not your responsibility. Just tell the water company when you moved in and they can chase the previous owner for the £260.

crackle999

Thanks Cardew for the advice.

mute_posting

I got a HUGE bill addresses to "The Occupier" just after I bought my flat a couple of years ago.

When I phoned (United Utilities) to query it I was told not to worry as they "send a big bill with arrears to get people to phone us and set up their account"

A bit of a backward way of doing things IMHO but it obviously works for them lol.

MP

mute_posting

crackle999 wrote: »

I've just received a water bill under the old owners name.

Just thought - is nice to know that either the previous owner set up a mail redirect or the Royal Mail are using it

MP

littlemissjojo

crackle999 wrote: »

Hi,


I've purchased a property and I've just received a water bill under the old owners name.

The total bill is for £500+ for the period 01/04/08 to 31/03/2009. This bill also includes a "balance brought forward" for around £260.

Do I have to settle this bill? Or just for the period 01/04/08 - 31/03/09?


Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

Dont ever ever pay a bill that is not in your name!!!! Can cause all sorts of problems!!

Ring the water company and get a new account opened in your name from the date that you moved in, and dont pay anything until it arrives!!

crackle999

Thanks.

In the end I had to contact the debt collection agency, as the bill was with them. They advised me not to worry and to tear up the bill. They will contact the water company and ask them to set up a new account for me.

Downside: I think I'll have to get a water meter now!!

anony_mouse_5

It is the occupiers responsibilty to inform the water company of moving in as well as leaving the property.
Always do this with all utilities ASAP.