With the colder weather creeping in, and the cost of energy soaring, most of us will see our bills going up and up this winter.
But one woman has found herself facing a different costly dilemma, as her new neighbour keeps using her outdoor tap. She said she can't afford to pay for their water use on top of her own.
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."
In the post, on Mumsnet, she 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, the Mirror reports.
She said: "Historically, the owners above have been using this tap to water their garden." Asking other users for advice, she then added: "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?!"
The post, which has now been flooded 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."
A second said: "Absolutely, but don't 'suggest'. "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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