Issue with rental contract - Utilities

[illmonkey]

I've been in a rented place for 10 months, and have recently had a water bill through the door. Weird as I'd been told it was included in my rent. So, I go back over my emails and sure enough see this:

"Just on another note as well the water is included in the Landlord maintenance charge, so you will not need to pay the water bills during your tenancy."

I forward the email to the agent explaining that the water is included (see attached), and for them to make arrangements for it to be paid. They have come back stating I have to pay, it's not included. Upon reviewing the contract I signed, I spot this:

3.2 To pay all charges falling due for the following services used during the Tenancy and to pay the proportion of any standing charge for those services which reflects the period of time that this Agreement was in force:
gas
water including sewerage and other environmental services
electricity

Pretty sure I know the answer to this one; but any recourse with the email?

[illmonkey]

PurpleMoonlight said:

Hmmmmm, interesting.

I would guess the Lease is a stock document that they use for every tenancy.

If they hold you to it, you might have a claim if misrepresentation against them though as they clearly told you that you would not be directly responsible for the water costs.

I typed a line similar to your point, then deleted it. It's a stock document. I've explicitly been told I do not have to pay.

I will approach them, but wanted to be a bit more educated. I imagine a 50/50 payment might be agreed. It's only £500 for the year, but it's £500 more than I knew I had to pay.

[illmonkey]

Thanks for the advice so far.

The agent has checked with the landlord and he is confirming I am to pay the bill. So the mess up here is the agent saying the wrong thing. Still, that is their fault and not mine. So I suppose it's for them to foot the bill...

Also, to clarify, I pay a fixed monthly rent, I do not also pay a 'charge' for bills etc.

Is there anything specific I should be saying, that might make them wake up and take responsibility?

[illmonkey]

Email sent, copying in the lettings manager. Thanks for everyone's advice.

[illmonkey]

Forwarded bill onto agent, who has said they are responsible, due to the email I got.

Thanks again all on me!

[illmonkey]

lostmotel said:

illmonkey said:

Forwarded bill onto agent, who has said they are responsible, due to the email I got.

Thanks again all on me!

Please tell me you left in the bit about Pie & Piston LLP

Sadly not. Although it's about as real as my actual legal advisor!