Government inquiry into landlord water proposals is 'good help'

Landlords struggling to make ends meet may have been handed a bit of good news this week, after it was revealed by the British Property Federation (BPF) that a "welcome" government review could see Whitehall pull back from imposing powers that could force renters to share information on changes of tenancy with water companies, as well as making then liable for tenants' debts.

The failure of people to pay water bills costs every other customer around £15 extra per year. The new Flood and Water Management Act would mean that the government could make owners pay water and sewerage bills if specified details of occupiers are not put forward.

Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation, explained: "Government policy in other areas is pushing for personal responsibility and the same should apply here that landlords should not be held liable for their tenants' debts, which is simply unfair. We therefore welcome this review and agree that water companies could do more to limit bad debts."

He added that landlords already provide a lot of information voluntarily, though this could be much easier and transparent with the right systems in place.