problems with the house!!

12-14 gallons per month is nothing - thats only 70 litres max  - my god i wish mine was that low.....but saying that you dont state the cost of that 70 litres.

we use 2-3 times that per day..... and we are careful.

NB there are three rates - Residential (the lowest) Domestic (usually used for common parts, lift shaft, lifts, stairwells garages and properties other than primary homes which are rented out to others) and commercial (for business use). Sadly the term DOMESTIC is used to great effect on the bills in fooling the unwary into thinking that they are paying the same rates as everyone else ...and theyre not.

I agree with you 100% that most landlords and estate agent NEVER tell renters of these differences (ONLY IF SPECIFICALLY ASKED) and they should - but then again everyone should research this area well before they take a lease....and certainly before they sign a contract - the estate agents have a moral obligation to advise renters of all financial liabilities but not a legal one. You have to remember altho the estate agent acts for both of you (and its my opinion) its highly likely they will fall on the side of the landlord....

if you cant  reach a compromise - or agree to be put on the bills as a registered consumer - the best thing to do is leave and find a landlord willing to allow you to be on his account and thus the bills as a named registered consumer. good luck

Hi Aida,

welcome to the forum.

It's a pity you didn't come to our forum earlier. That could have avoided problems.

To be honest , I cannot see where the agency deceived you. You signed the contract with your landlord , the agency found you the place that you liked and signed.

Without knowing details no one can really judge whether you are paying too much or not. I would also recommend that you contact your agency to see if you can find a compromise. Talking to your landlady would also be a good option!° Havn't you discussed the bill yet ?

You can let me know through PM which agency you are dealing with . Maybe I know someone who can help.

In the end, dont't sign a contract you don't understand and/or don't agree with. However nice the appartment or landlord might seem.

Cheers
Ricky

ricky i think that is a moral obligation of both sides to inform u about the cost of utilities....

Ricky they normally do not disclose these material facts that impact on a decision-it may not be seen by some as deception though - but its quite clear to me that neither the agents nor the landlords openly advise of these costs and lets be honest, they both know the likely status of the property...and these are important in terms of affordability of any property so any costs that affect the budget should be disclosed to all and by all.

But in mitigation-this doesnt absolve the renter from the responsibility of asking these questions and not make a decision based solely on trust and the smiley smiley amiable landlord.

Hi aida,

what did you agree on in your rental contract? Your 'bill' is probably not the bill from ARM's which never comes monthly but what your landlady is asking from you.

The utilities for a property is billed by ARM's every few months. Your landlady should be charging you for this amount. My lease quotes that I have to settle the bills ie .... the bills are shown and passed on to me and I pay the amount.

If you are paying 200 € for 1 person/month that is a lot unless ..... you use the aircondition a lot or heat a lot with electrical heaters. Or do the 200 € go against the next period bill from ARM's?

Do you rent a house as you say or a cosy appartment ? Size matters too. I'm not sure if a commercial property is allowed to be rented out as an appartment or house. As such there is no commercial rate but a 'non-residential' rate which is actually a lot cheaper than residential or domestic! So you are probably talking about the difference between domestic and residential rates which is about 20 %.

Do you have a residence certificate to qualify for the residential rate?

Water is normally measured in cubic meters not gallons but does not cost much unless you fill a swimming pool.

Cheers
Ricky

aidagmz84 wrote:

ricky i think that is a moral obligation of both sides to inform u about the cost of utilities....

There are no morals when it comes to business!!!!!!!!!!!
Caveat Emptor.

Hi aida,

at least I'm glad that you found somewhere you could complain.

You havn't really given any info about your case so I'm not in the situation to be able to judge the situation.

Talking about morals ..... maybe better not .

I hope you have more luck with your next place.

Cheers
Ricky