Can they now legally shut off water?

by mitch Sun Apr 12, 2020 2:15 pm

Moved into new flat rental a few weeks ago and letter from Northumbrian Water says if they believe a property is unoccupied they will turn off supply to prevent leaks.
Last time i checked they can't legally do that. Has this changed?

by **LionsShare** Sun Apr 12, 2020 2:55 pm

I think if you read the below, THEY cannot turn off water where a premysis is occupied.

Premises that are not to be disconnected for non-payment of charges
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/56/schedule/4A

for unoccupied premasys they have always been able to turn off the supply.

by flyingfish Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:13 pm

The simplistic answer is no, they can't shut the supply off if you make contact and tell them you've moved in. Where it gets more subtle is if you're trying to stay under the radar to avoid other charges. Who was the letter addressed to?

by mitch Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:07 pm

Addressed to the occupier. I've been here since 24th Feb. I haven't contacted them but i had a text from them about some water works in the area so landlord must have given them it.
I'll just have to pay them the exorbitant rates/line the pockets of the execs and share holders for their toxic filth.

by sirus0 Sun Apr 12, 2020 11:15 pm

Can you ask them for the water test results and say if it's not of a good quality, then you will not be paying for the bills?
We have reverse-osmosis filter at home with a electric pump, so I have to pay more for the water (there is some waste water generated in this process) and electricity, but at least we have better water...
I'm planning to do the DD Claw back for it, to get my money back anyway. Smile

If you admit that you live at this property and receive the bill in your name, then you don't need to pay it straight away...

by **LionsShare** Mon Apr 13, 2020 8:30 am

Beacreful if you have a mortgage where you live then they are eventually likely to go for a charge order on the property.

If its to the occupier then you could send it back but that is only delaying the inevitable......

Doing a claw back is in theory a good idea, there is always a but.....

What will happen? They will go straight to county court & make you bancrupt - becareful. If you want DD claw back put your account into dispute 1st this is IMPORTANT, again becareful:

Question

https://goodf.forumotion.com/f42-utilities

by mitch Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:58 am

This is a rental flat. Filling in online form for moving house/new customer and one of the mandatory fields is date of birth. This can't be a lawful requirement, can it? They have no business knowing that or phone number.

@sirus0 did you ask for and get test results? Isn't this open to manipulation? Be interesting to see how a case could be built for non-payment on the back of that.

by **daveiron** Mon Apr 13, 2020 11:24 am

Unless you can remember being born ,& at birth have the ability to know what
date it is. Your date of birth is only hearsay. Hearsay counts for absolutly nothing.

To answer correctly It should be 'unknown'

by **LionsShare** Mon Apr 13, 2020 11:57 am

T.H.E.Y will get in touch with credit reference agencies & get your full details that way.

I have been asked for DOB in the past, "I have NEVER given you that , how do you know my DOB?" answer "from credit reference agencies".

If phoning you will have to answer "security" questions, them claiming its for security purposes - no it ain't, its for joinder.

by **LionsShare** Mon Apr 13, 2020 11:59 am

As DI states:

daveiron wrote:Hearsay counts for absolutly nothing.

Totally true, how can you know your true DOB?

by **LionsShare** Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:02 pm

mitch wrote:one of the mandatory fields

With any mandatory field it is a pain in the arse because I hate filling out a title of rank, rank is synominious with the military & I ain't in any army!

by mitch Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:23 pm

@LionsShare profile pic would suggest you are in the military (or ex-military) Smile

by **LionsShare** Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:41 pm

No mitch definatly not. Very Happy

The avatar is I think Lee Emery in the film Full Metal Jacket made in 1976.

I simply want to get my message - what ever that may be & shout it from the roof tops. Razz

by **LionsShare** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:54 pm

After further thought - all one has to do to prevent cut-off without identifying is write a note asking - "Are you allowed to cut water off while i live here?" and glue it to the back of their offer. Do not put an address on the note or even a name - it's enough that the answer they receive is pasted to their offer, only someone living there could do that, which means they now have evidence of 'occupation' which prevents disconnection.

Take a copy, a photograph and/or video before sending it recorded.

That way one has let them know someone is living there but have not identified as a business or an occupier. They can't then disconnect without liability and will have to negotiate with one - which is when one should establish one's credentials as non-commercial and advise one will be setting-off/discharging their statements.

Occupier is a military term. How do they get to imply you are a soldier? Because you are a 'voluntary'.

Here is an excellent thread on some of the ideas presented here:

https://www.fmotl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=10718&p=82298&sid=18ec5a2104866af4236957ebca42f681#p82298

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