QUESTION: Dear Legal Wiz,
Last week in the middle of bathing the water went way. I didnt think about it after learning that there was a water shortage. Later in the day, I learnt that my neighbour had water. I live upstairs and the persons downstairs did not know about water shortage. I believed my landlord cut the water off although I paid the exuberant bills he gave to me. When I called him up, he told the bill was really high so he had to regulate my water usage.
Yisa Garland
RESPONSE: Yisa Garland
Perhaps you and the landlord should have a detailed conversation to define what ‘regulating water’ means. A visit to the rent board or an attorney-at-law specialising in tenancy can assist you with understanding and resolving this issue.
Here is some useful information for you.
1) The responsibility of the landlord is to ensure the tenant has a flow of water
2) The water supply is the responsibility of the National Water Commission and they are the ones who get paid for the supply provided.
2) Once you are paying rent you have control of your space and utilities and should enjoy peace and quiet to use.
The bills you already mentioned that you are paying although high in your estimation. It seems you will need to sit down and work out with the landlord how your usage is assessed for multiple reasons. For one, There could be other factors affecting the consumption rate. All the best!
Legal Wiz
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EDITOR’S NOTES:
The above does not constitute legal advice. Inhouse senior journalists research and discuss with specialists / experts, as necessary before posting responses. In conclusion, names are changed at times by request. Recommend that you purchase “Landlord Handbook” written by Anthea McGibbon
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