Waste water and the diposal of...

[4F6]

Quick question - we rent a unit for our business which is part of a larger, managed business centre with all utilities managed and invoiced on landlords supply.

We're also on small business rates excemption for the unit.

I'm getting hassle from a company called Water Plus telling me I owe them £100+ for water charges. I've explained that we don't have a water supply to the premises to which they changed tack and told me it is for disposal of rain water from the roof which is processed by the drains.

I'm suspecting they are just phishing and hoping we'll pay up but small business doesn't work like that, so if I need to pay it then I need to know its right. My thoughts are to tell them to GTF and even if it is something that I'd be liable for, does the fact that we have small business rates relief not mean that I wouldn't have to pay anyway?

Thanks in advance!

[Dr Interceptor]

Business rates relief applies only to your business rates, it doesn't mean that you get free utilities as well.

There will be a charge for surface water drainage from your property, it has go into the drain, and it has to be processed by the water company, so they will charge you for handling that water.

Https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/your-water-bil...

Check with your landlord to see if they're paying waste water charges that also cover your unit.

[KevinCamaroSS]

Dr Interceptor said:

Business rates relief applies only to your business rates, it doesn't mean that you get free utilities as well.

There will be a charge for surface water drainage from your property, it has go into the drain, and it has to be processed by the water company, so they will charge you for handling that water.

Https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/your-water-bil...

Check with your landlord to see if they're paying waste water charges that also cover your unit.

Your link is for a domestic property, not commercial. Also the OP said his agreement shows the landlord covers all utilities. So, I would politely redirect the water company to the landlord.

[Jockman]

Water Plus are a genuine company.

Yes, on a managed property you would expect the landlord to cover this, though it really does depend on what your lease says.

[4F6]

Thanks. I suspected that it should be down to the landlord as they are responsible for all other utilities and recharge to us based on use. I shall bounce it back to them