Installing a new water meter in shop

[Christiane]

Hi
There is no water meter in the shop I rent, I have been paying my landlord £15 a month for our use of water for the last 10 months. However, he has now contacted UU and they will install a water meter, apparently we have to bear the costs of the install and not the landlord. Is this correct? Landlord said it'll cost about £500 8-O

 

[kulture]

Read your lease. What does it say about utilities and water.

 

[Sobie]

Do you need a separate meter as there are other users of your water supply?
if so then the water company will have to install new pipework from the mains, they will not put a submeter on, and those little submeters you can purchase are not recognised by the water company.
Check your lease & if its down to you, get a quote from the water company.

 

[Christiane]

I think it falls into ''Notice to carry out works'' in the Lease, which is not that clear to be honest.... If I don't comply, I pay, so I guess he should pay as I will comply.
The water supply comes from his house (semi adjoining the shop). He never installed a water meter when he turned the house into a shop last year.

 

[Rhyl Lightworks]

£500 seems a lot for a straightforward water meter installation. I installed one for my father some years ago, but the regulations may have changed since then, or be different for businesses. I would ring up your water company and ask them exactly what the position is and either instal it yourself or ask other companies for quotes. If you can get it installed for a lot less than £500, (it is free for domestic supplies) get in touch with your landlord and tell him this.

Barrie