Fixed costs due to Tenant - Utility Bills, etc

General Discussion

Was a Landlord for many years with a registered Tenancy; included in that rent was the houses and water rates. When those tenants moved and I changed to an AST I then had the fixed costs moved over to be the tenants direct responsibility. 'cause of way water is supplied to the property I had a clause included that a water meter should* not be installed. I now find out on a recent inspection that they have one installed. Now they have given notice to leave - how do I get the water meter removed and put back to water rates (at the original costing basis).

But really the purpose of this posting to make people aware that allowing the tenants to pay fixed cost Utility bills is not necessarily a good thing - had I known I'd have included the water rates into the rent.

• I know, should have used 'Shall' instead of 'should'...