Thames Water - First Bill For Last 3 Years

[wiosna30]

Wondered if someone can give me some advice on what the best action is. I am on this property 3 years and a few days ago I just receive my first bill from Thames Water “Your new payment plan, starting June 2008” where their charge me £618,95 for last 3 years. I am really surprised because I never received a letter from Thames Water requesting a meter reading, opening account, remainders letters to pay bills etc… I am paying all my bills: council tax, gas, electricity, phones but not for water. I’ve been sure that the landlord is paying or maybe the property had not been registered for several years
It’s a big building with 7 separately flats and I couldn’t find here any meters, probably is just one for all people.
Thames Water has sent bills to all tenants, previous as well, where most of them moved property a few month or years ago (about 20 letters)
Can they ask for all this payment for such a long period when I has never had a previous bill?

Wiosna

[old_andrew2007]

bump

[faye93x]

Hi there.

Thames Water have acted legally. It is a tenants responsibility to ensure that all utilities are informed when a change of occupier takes place. If it was your landlords responsibility then you will need to check your Tenancy Agreement but unless there is a prior agreement with Thames and your landlord the Occupier is responsible for the Water Service Charges.
It is likely that the information of your occupation was gained from your landlord/agent in the first place and therefore Thames are ensuring that they are billing correctly.

Hope this helps

[wiosna30]

hi Faye93x,

thank you for some information. I dont want have any problems so I have sent a letter first asking if I can pay montly 50.00, I hope their will accept my offer, so I am waiting, should be something on this week

Regards