My fiance was living in a studio apartment, alone, for 6 months, before moving out of that place and in with me in June. He got his final water bill for £90 for 31st of march -14th June, which we thought was quite a lot, but whatever, he'll pay it anyway.
However, looking closer, it seems he was in a metered property, and nobody knows where the meter is (water board included), so they have estimated his water usage as 38 cubic metres for 2 and a half months. According to the paperwork they sent with the bill, average usage is 2-3 cubic metres/adult/month. His previous bill (December to March) was £150 (not sure what cubic metre estimate was for that one).
He has called the water company who say it is not their problem, he (as the tenant) is responsible for checking the meter. The letting agency and landlord both say they were unaware of any meter.
We're not planning to fight the water company over this exactly, but we're wondering if we should - does anyone have any advice? the company is Three Valleys (althought they are now called Veolia for some reason). Sadly, they are our providers in the new place too!
thanks in advance for any input!