www.iva.co.uk

I moved out of the property beginning of Nov-had been there 4 years, rent always on time and not a mark left on the place.
However in July the water bill came in and owed £250 for a quarter!even though I was always previously in credit- the water company came out and found there had been a leak, which the landlord was responsible for. After much bargaining the landlord let me take the £250 paid to the water company out my rent,.
However it took him about 3 weeks to sort the problem hence when my final water bill came in Nov it was still saying I owed £80 (even tho thye doubled my monthly direct debit!) The letting agency has forwarded her my bills for the last 4 years showing my usage and the additional caused by the leak along with a detailed account of what ive paid etc.
She has now come back stating she is not paying anymore as how does she know I wasnt just using extra and the matter is now closed! Which it isnt cos the water company has just called asking for £80!
The bill is clearly in the dates before the fix plus she has a water company report and plumbers report detailing the extent of the leak
What should be my next move?? Citizens advice??
I also had loads of trouble getting £800 deposit back-even tho she had copies of the reports she refused to give back £800 til she had copies of all the bills!!! Took me 4wks to get back..

Hi Stresed.

I think that the Citizen's Advice Bureau should be your next move. Technically you are responsible for the water bill and if you have a private landlord then the only way to get the money reimbursed would be to sue him or her. The CAB will be able to advise you of your rights and possibly help you retrieve the money.

It is likely that the debt to the water company arose after your arrangement was approved so it will probably not be included in your arrangement debts. However if the worst comes to the worst and the CAB can't help you get the money from the landlord to pay the bill then speak to your IP who will I am sure allow you to make a reduced payment to your IVA so that you can pay the water bill.

Was your deposit part of the tennants deposit scheme backed by the government ??? If so she cannot hold onto your deposit - contact them and they have an arbritation service that you can use to resolve this.

What about Trading Standards local office. The Landlord is trading by way of renting out his properties. Tell Trading Standards and see if they can help.

Thats a very good point David. i've paid the water bill myself today out of my share of overtime done this month which is a pain as I have done such long hours this month and would have liked to use it for something else.
To be honest its not even so much a case of getting the money back now, its just very unfair of the landlord not to face up to the responsibilities when something happens at there property.

I agree with you - let me know how you get on.