‘My new neighbour keeps using my tap – but I can’t afford it’

A neighbour’s agreement with former owners has left a woman with potentially costly consequences – and the new homeowner is keen to put an end to the expensive habit

As the colder months start to roll in, several of us will see our energy bills creep up in price and become harder to fund. However, one woman has faced a different kind of costly dilemma as her new neighbour is using her outdoor tap – and the habit is becoming too expensive to maintain.

Since purchasing the new property, she has realised that the neighbour’s agreement with previous owners could now burn a hole in her pocket. The woman explained: “I have just purchased a ground floor maisonette, which has a garden split into two and shared with the maisonette above.

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“The previous owner was good friends with the owners above, and so they never fenced around each other.

“There is one outside tap on my part of the garden, which is connected to my water supply,” she added.

In the post on popular online forum Mumsnet, the woman explained how the former owners came to an agreement with the people next door.

However, she’s keen to see an end to the ordeal as she shared her intentions of confronting the neighbour.

She said: “Historically, the owners above have been using this tap to water their garden.

“I have just been informed that we’re going on a water meter, am I being unreasonable to suggest that they stop using as I can’t afford and don’t want to be (!) paying for their usage?!” She questioned, asking users for advice.

The post, which has now rocketed with responses, received comments of advice from fellow users on how the woman should approach the situation.

One user suggested: “Surely once you tell them that you are going to be on a meter they won’t have a leg to stand on.”

“Absolutely, but don’t ‘suggest’,” another user added. “Tell them in a friendly manner that as you’re now going into water meters you are unable to afford for them to use your supply.”

The woman was grateful for everyone’s responses, saying: “Thanks everyone for your replies and support!

“Trying to get the balance of not p*****g off neighbours as soon as I move in, but also not adding to ever increasing bills!!”

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