Alleged Water Bill.

Other

Hi at the RLA.
Earlier this year on vacating a flat I rent out, the tenant advised the local water authority of his departure quoting a meter reading which somewhere along the line was not accurate. The flat was returned in good order and no remedial work was called for. All utilities were isolated.
The flat remained empty for approximately a month or so after departure.
In the meantime the water company allege they took a meter reading which did not correspond with the one given by the outgoing tenant, the consequence of which results in a demand for the payment of £25.00. accompanied by threats of court action plus costs to reclaim the said sum.
It is not the £25.00 I have issue with. What is troubling me is the fact Southwest Water(SWW)think they have a right to make good any alleged shortfall between themselves and former customers by using an innocent bystander ,ie the landlord.
After explaining to SWW their client (my former tenant)had given the estimate and it was the responsibility of SWW to take issue with their client (my former tenant)over the estimate I find myself some six months down the line threatened with court action plus costs to recover the alleged debt.
If SWW are allowed to use such tyrany in order to profit something has to done. Do you have any advice on the matter.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Mike O' Connor