Sectional Title Water metre question (Complex)

[craigba]

The complex that I live in has individual water metres
Which is really great (I hear horror stories from trustees from other complexes of massive bills,because people leave leaks etc).

At our complex, they normally do a reading on the last day of every month.
In December (due to the holidays), they read at 15 December (2 weeks after the last time)
Then in January, they read at their normal time (end of the month).

Now, normally I don't have to pay as I'm within the free 6 units given monthly, but because they have taken 6 weeks to do a reading, I am liable to pay (albeit a small amount). Do I have a leg to stand on legally to not pay that portion?

Legally no one is exempt from paying Levies, but this is not a levy, it's a water charge.

I would let it slide, but they are very quick to charge interest on my account, so out of principle I feel this is not right (especially considering that we outsource the metre readings - they should do this on time)...

Any advice is appreciated...

 

[sSslik]

Sounds like you are dealing with an honest mistake only. I suggest you take the short reading and the longer one, combined them and show the trustees the average - if it is within the free allocation, ask them to adjust your account.

If they refuse, well then you have to ask yourself whether you have the energy for the fight and whether it is worth your time.

 

[ambo]

If they didn't do the reading at the normal time then they should have done an estimate. Take the reading on the 15th and project it forward to the end of the month.

Retrospectively - averaging the two months would give you an equally good estimate.

 

[Former member 61586]

All depends on the type of people in charge. In the complex I used to live in, they have National Real Estate as managing agents, which are just horribly dishonest and underhanded people. No use in raising your blood pressure with these people. The trustees are also "kop in een mus" with them. Birds of a feather and all that.

If your situation is like the one above, let it slide. If not, approach them. I do believe you have a valid point.

 

[craigba]

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice, I made payment less the water and advised them of the reasoning and they have reduced the water charge

 

[Username:]

All depends on the type of people in charge. In the complex I used to live in, they have National Real Estate as managing agents, which are just horribly dishonest and underhanded people. No use in raising your blood pressure with these people. The trustees are also "kop in een mus" with them. Birds of a feather and all that.

If your situation is like the one above, let it slide. If not, approach them. I do believe you have a valid point.

Why don't you become a trustee?

 

[Lupus]

Why don't you become a trustee?

People are quick to moan about the trustees in a complex, but forget they can volunteer their services as well. The amount of crap trustees actually get from residents is not worth it sometimes. My wife was one for two years, she said it was more stressful than actual work.