Who will pay sydney water charges? Moved to new place

Discussion in 'The Buying & Selling Process' started by James0360, 2nd Dec, 2015.

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  1. James0360

    James0360 New Member

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    so i just bought a property and moved in 4 weeks ago. Lawyers did the section 66 certificate where it had the amount around $200. I received the bill from sydney water today which is around $750

    Clearly that is an oversight from the lawyer as the owners haven't paid the previous dues.
    how can i get the previous owner to pay the difference?
     
    James0360, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #1
  2. Terry_w

    Terry_w Lawyer, Tax Adviser and Mortgage broker in Sydney Business Member

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    Was that adjusted in the settlement figures?
     
    Terry_w, 2nd Dec, 2015
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  3. James0360

    James0360 New Member

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    yep. it was adjusted in settlement figures & i have a cheque of $200 waiting for sydney waters.
     
    James0360, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #3
  4. blackenator

    blackenator Well-Known Member

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    If the oversight is with the solicitor then you need to chase them up for it. Once settlement occurs on the property you are eligible for the debt from that date onward. The solicitor is supposed to make sure that water (Sydney) is adjusted for. I know cause I have the inside scoop :)
     
    blackenator, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #4
  5. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    Check how the bill is calculated. Sometimes the fixed charges are in advance while the usage is in arrears.
    Marg
     
    Marg4000, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #5
  6. James0360

    James0360 New Member

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    The bill just says - 'Amount Overdue' - i am going to ask Sydney Waters for the break down tomorrow.
     
    James0360, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #6
  7. Dan L

    Dan L Well-Known Member

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    Contact your solicitor. Obligations regarding adjustments continue after settlement of the Contract which means that the solicitor should and will chase rates from the sellers through the sellers solicitor/conveyancer as the seller is still liable for the outstanding amount, notwithstanding that the contract has been completed. If the seller doesn't pay within a reasonable time, you should ask your solicitor who will.
     
    Dan L, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #7
  8. blackenator

    blackenator Well-Known Member

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    The amount overdue will the water usage date that overlapped with your settlement date. I am sure when you call the contact Sydney Water they will be able to send you a breakdown of the charges that you can forward onto your solicitor if needed
     
    blackenator, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #8
  9. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Scott No Mates, 3rd Dec, 2015
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  10. James0360

    James0360 New Member

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    thanks guys. Solicitor took average calculation based on previous quarter bill. It seems the owner just used 3 times more water than previous quarter.
    Can i still request the previous owner to pay the difference?
     
    James0360, 5th Dec, 2015
    #10
  11. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Should Have arranged for a final water meter reading then the service charge is split between purchaser and vendor.
     
    Scott No Mates, 5th Dec, 2015
    #11
  12. blackenator

    blackenator Well-Known Member

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    Sydney water wont help with this its best to talk to your solicitor and see what they say
     
    blackenator, 5th Dec, 2015
    #12
  13. willair

    willair Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Maybe get a plumber to pressure test the system for a h/pressure leak somewhere,plus from the legal side your team should have covered this prior too settlement..
     
    willair, 5th Dec, 2015
    #13