Water customers “help out in the drought”
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Knowledge base
Vacant properties
If a property has just become vacant or, if you have just moved into a vacant property, please notify us using the Empty Property Form.
Generally the user of the premises is responsible for charges.
In the case of vacant premises:
- In metered properties non-occupation is proven by zero consumption on the meter and no volume charges will be made. The standing charge will still be payable.
- In unmetered properties the full Rateable Value charge is applicable, together with the standing charge. Customers who leave properties unoccupied are advised to opt for metered charges.
A property is regarded as being vacant in the following circumstances:
- Premises which are left unoccupied but are left with bedding, a desk or other furniture, so that they may be used as a dwelling, office or commercial premises
- Premises used for multiple occupation with shared facilities
- Premises used as holiday, student, hostel or other accommodation
- Premises used for short-term occupation or letting where the occupation of term of the tenancy is for less than six months
- Premises in respect of which renovation of building work is being undertaken
- Premises which are not normally regarded as being occupied such as cattle toughs, car parks etc
