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| Any rights re: water bill | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 21 2006, 06:46:40 PM (257 Views) | |
Bridiej
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Jun 21 2006, 06:46:40 PM Post #1 |
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Chattermonster Extraordinaire!
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We have had our water bill, first one since moving into this new rental. It is $53.05 but: When we moved in the gardens were just sand, and the real estate said they would be landscaped "in a couple of weeks", which WA-stylee of course was two months. So basically during the end of summer we couldnt use the garden, and it was a right pain when you got your washing in as you got sand covered and dirty feet, not to mention sand in the house either walked in or blown through the flyscreens. When they did the landscaping they used loads and I mean LOADS of water. In fact the retic was on for 12 hours just peeing water onto the sand which the retic man told us was OK. It was also used a lot when the landscapers were here, and to cut a load of bricks for pathways. They also set it to come on three times a day, 38 minutes per station, 6 stations... :angry: When Malc spoke to the real estate about this water usage he made it clear that we would not pay for the landscaping costs but this bill has nothing in the "landlord contribution" column. Our last bill at our old rental was $14, so bearing in mind we have had the retic on more often due to new grass and plants, am I fair in expecting at least a 50% contribution from the landlord? :unsure: I realise that this isnt a huge amount of money we are talking here, but I'm buggered if we're going to work hard to save as much money as possible only to have to foot the bill for works which should have been done before the house was placed on the rental market and which are out of our hands...... <_< |
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| Ellie | Jun 21 2006, 08:27:49 PM Post #2 |
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It is my opinion that if you are in a rental that the owner is respnsibible for the water bill . That is what i understand in NSW at any rate. |
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| ABCDiamond | Jun 22 2006, 09:02:10 AM Post #3 |
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With rentals, the landlord is generally responsible for the cost of water access and sewage, but the water usage part is often charged to the tenant, although some landlords do in fact pay it themselves. I'm not sure how WA are on this point though. Bridie, you could fight it, and I fully understand why you would want to, however, you must decide if the agro will be worth it to YOU. I've fought for less than that figure before, but i'm now older, and more likely to overlook things (unless I can find someone to break their legs ;) ) |
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| ABCDiamond | Jun 22 2006, 09:14:10 AM Post #4 |
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WA - Tenants Advice Service, PO Box 8437, Perth Business Centre, PERTH W.A. 6849, Tel: (08) 9221 9499, Fax : (08) 9221 9609, http://www.taswa.org/ |
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Bridiej
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Jun 22 2006, 10:27:15 AM Post #5 |
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Chattermonster Extraordinaire!
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Thanks ABCD :) |
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| ProofReader | Jun 22 2006, 10:30:29 AM Post #6 |
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Unregistered
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:sigh: I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... bloody lawyers and law makers! :rolleyes: Bridie, the only legal comeback you may have on the landlord depends entirely on the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Have a read through the document and see what it says about who is to pay for water consumption. If your home is metered (and most are now), my guess is that it will say that you have to pay for all water consumption, otherwise it may be the landlord's expense. Your only other hope, legally, is dependent upon any special conditions to the tenancy agreement which may specify that the landlord must establish the landscaping at his expense. That may, arguably, include water usage. However, proving what you've used and what the landscapers used is another story. :irked: Look at the tenancy agreement first to check for the above, but I am inclined to think that your best bet would be to write a letter to the landlord or his agent (if you pay your rent through an agency, then write to them) explaining pretty much what you have here in your post and asking whether he would kindly consider meeting a proportion of the water bill. You might get lucky, if he's a reasonable bloke (sheila, whatever) and he might allow you to deduct a certain amount from your next rental payment. I would imagine, however, that the tenancy agreement wraps it up fairly well and would bet that it didn't cater properly for the landscaping and associated costs. Unfortunately, in these types of circumstances, your only legal recourse would have been not to allow them to use your water at the time. Law, justice, ethics and morals are totally different things, I'm afraid, and most of us don't think to cover ourselves for these types of situations at the outset of the agreement. If you'd like me to check your tenancy agreement for you, I'd be only too happy to do so, if you can scan a copy of it and email it to me? As you know, I am not a lawyer and cannot give you legal advice. I can, however, point you in the right direction from umpteen years of experience with these sorts of things! It's always worth reading the small print first, asking nicely second, before lastly taking legal action. Hope this helps, but I'm more than willing to answer any further questions and help you in any way that I can, so please feel free to PM or email me. :) |
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Bridiej
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Jun 22 2006, 11:53:14 AM Post #7 |
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Chattermonster Extraordinaire!
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Thanks PR
:) Real estate rang, she agreed with me that it is unfair and is getting in touch with the owner to see if he will make a contribution, 50/50 hopefully. I did lay it on thick that as far as we were concerned landscaping was a building cost and really he shouldnt have advertised the house for rent without it being done, and of course how we are trying to save every penny for our house construction. Must admit the agent is pretty good, so fingers crossed the landlord will offer something. I do feel a bit tight, but it's the principle of the matter..! I shall keep you updated... |
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| marco121068 | Jun 22 2006, 07:46:22 PM Post #8 |
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Huggable Hunky Humorist
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I realise it might be a point of principal - but you've also got to factor in how much time you want to spend on it. Don't forget - it's your time - which you charge out at £xx per hour. Obviously - if it's time you'd spend on here anyway....... |
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Bridiej





10:53 AM Jul 11