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The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) is warning Welsh landlords that they could become jointly liable for their tenant’s water bills as of January 1st 2015.
The Water Industry Act
Under the terms of the Welsh Government’s Water Industry Act, landlords with properties in the Welsh Water and Dee Valley Water areas are obliged to share certain information about their tenants with the relevant water company.
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Most of the affected properties are in Wales, but some landlords with properties in Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire will also be affected.
Landlords who fail to pass on tenants’ details to their water company will become jointly liable for any debts that arise on the property. The details required include the property address, tenant’s full name, date of birth (if the landlord has this information) and the date each occupant moved into the property. This information is required within by January 21st for existing tenants and within 21 days of any new tenancy beginning.
Landlords can pass on the necessary information to the relevant water company by registering in the www.landlordtap.com website. This designated portal will pass on information provided to the appropriate water company (it works this out from the post code of the property). The landlordtap website is expected to go “live” from December 22nd.
Landlord Good Practice
It is always good practice to inform utility companies of a tenant’s details. It is also good practice to take meter readings at the beginning and end of a tenancy. Landlords are also advised to inform utility companies when a tenant moves out and pass on a forwarding address to avoid receiving any unwanted bills.
