Water supply repair

[david ll]

We have a cottage on our yard fed water on a sub meter. The occupants pay the going rate for water used and 50% of the standing charge. All good so far, last year we had a leak in the pipe feeding from water boards main (1200m of private pipe over 50 yrs old) I put in a new pipe along part of the run where I found the leak as I have my own digger. Would it be reasonable to expect the other party to pay 50% of the cost (pipe, fittings and my time)

 

[Steevo]

Personally I'd say it's your pipe, and your responsibility.
If your water supplier charged you for a repair in the pipe in the road before your boundary, I doubt you'd be too pleased.

 

[david ll]

It is written in the deeds to the property that they pay a 'Fair contribution' to maintenance of shared services

 

[Dry Rot]

Sounds fair to me.

I'm assuming you don't own the cottage. The repair was done as "maintenance of shared services".

 

[franklin]

Would it be reasonable to expect the other party to pay 50% of the cost (pipe, fittings and my time)

No.

 

[Dry Rot]

Having thought about it, strictly speaking I think the costs should have been agreed before the work started.

As it is, it would be fair to share the costs in proportion to use which should be easy enough to establish from the water meters.

 

[David.]

Not 50% no.
You could do it yourself at cost, or find somebody who would happily charge you £6000 for the job I expect.
Ultimately I guess it is your pipe?
Is the neighbour the sort who will muck-in and help do the job?
Fairest way must be split costs in proportion to usage, amicably; you both need water so neither party can sit it out and wait for the other to sort it.

 

[milkloss]

Fair to ask them to pay a proportion according to thier water usage. if they don’t like that then send them a bill for thier proportion of the water leak cost. They want water then it’s only fair they pay you for the cost of transfer to their property.