Introduction
Are you considering switching to a water meter but unsure of your rights and options? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process, highlighting the benefits and potential drawbacks of making the switch. You’ll learn about your rights to have a meter installed and what to do if you’re a tenant. If you have any questions or need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to help you understand and resolve your legal concerns. With Contend, getting legal help in the UK has never been easier!
When it comes to paying for water, you typically have two choices: a fixed rate or a rate based on how much water you actually use, measured by a water meter. If you’re considering switching to a water meter, this guide will walk you through your rights, the benefits and drawbacks, and what steps to take.
Your Right to a Water Meter
You have the right to have a water meter installed at no cost, as long as it’s practical to do so. This means that if you live in a location where installing a meter is feasible, your water company should accommodate your request. If you’re a tenant and your rental agreement lasts six months or longer, you can also request a meter.
To get started, simply reach out to your water company. You can call them or, in many cases, fill out an application online. If a meter cannot be installed for some reason, your water company might offer you a cheaper billing option instead.
In certain regions, water companies are moving toward universal water metering, meaning all households will eventually receive a meter.
Once you request a meter, the company is obligated to install it within three months. In areas where meters are being introduced for the first time, this period may extend to six months.
Is Switching to a Water Meter Right for You?
Switching to a water meter can save you money if you use a small amount of water. It’s especially worth considering if your home has a high rateable value. Prior to April 1990, properties in England and Wales were assigned a rateable value based on rental potential, which could lead to higher water bills for larger homes with fewer occupants.
Keep in mind that after switching to a meter, your water bill will fluctuate based on your usage. If more people move in or you buy new water-using appliances, your bill may increase. You will also be responsible for paying for any leaks, but typically, the first leak in an underground pipe will not incur charges.
To help estimate your potential savings, many water companies offer online calculators. You can find a useful one on the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) website.
If you find that switching to a meter isn’t saving you money, you can usually revert back to your previous payment method within twelve months. However, this option is not available if you move into a property that already has a meter or if universal metering has been implemented in your area.
Tenants and Water Meters
If you are renting, you still have the option to request a water meter. If your lease is less than six months, you’ll need to get your landlord’s permission. For leases longer than six months, you can request a meter without needing permission, but your agreement may still require you to notify your landlord about changes to the property.
If your landlord refuses your request for a meter, it may be beneficial to seek advice, as disputes can complicate future lease renewals.
Assistance with Water Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your water bills, you may qualify for the Watersure scheme, which helps eligible individuals manage their costs. To qualify, you need to be on benefits and either have a medical need for high water usage or have a household with several school-age children. You must also be on a water meter or waiting for one to be installed.
For more information about the Watersure scheme and how to apply, check with your water company or visit their website.
Next Steps
If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your water supplier. You can find out who supplies water in your area by visiting the Water UK website.
For additional resources, you can also check which water company serves your area on the CCW website.
If you need more personalized guidance or have legal questions regarding your water meter or bills, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
Switching to a water meter can be a smart financial move, but it’s important to understand your rights and options. With the right information, you can make an informed decision that works for you and your household.
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