UPDATE: After speaking with my real estate agent and neighbour, the plan is for the landlord to credit the neighbours rent. They will agree on a figure, and I'd be left out of the adjustment.
In July, we advised our gas water pipework is cross-connected with our upstairs neighbour. This meant that, for the past 10 years, they have been paying for our gas water usage.
We are both renters with the same real estate agent and landlord.
During that time, we still had an active gas service, which we've been paying - including the daily charge and very low usage. I'm very conscious of my gas and electricity usage, for cost and environmental reasons, and just thought I was doing a great job at reducing usage.
The real estate agent has just approved a quote to resolve the pipe issue. They've also asked us for copies of our last gas bills so they could "work out an adjustment to cover the difference". My understanding is they are planning to work out compensation for our upstairs neighbour.
I'm concerned that the real estate agent is going to ask that I pay a multi-year adjustment based on my and my neighbour's last gas bills. Depending on how it is calculated, I don't know if this is a fair approach as:
* our last bills cover the winter period
* it is not based on any of my actual usage (we won't have any idea until the pipes are fixed)
* I have no control over my neighbour's gas usage and vice versa
* gas prices have increased over time
I intended to contact Tenants Victoria for guidance. I'm wondering…
1. Who do you think should be responsible for any adjustment?
2. How would you calculate a fair adjustment?
I do want to ensure my neighbour is treated fairly. I feel this is the landlord's responsibility to compensate my neighbour. The issue is no fault of mine or my neighbours and I expect it is the landlord's responsibility to ensure gas utilities are properly installed.
To me, owner holds the responsibility, not you.