Question Author
Where do I stand with this legally? Can I insist that the tenant provides me with the key so I can read my meter? Is there a law that states that a consumer should be able to read his/her own meter no matter what? As I see it, the tenant can't object to me going onto his property to request the key as the land belongs to the council - he's a tenant just like me. Alternatively, would I be within my rights to ask the council to provide a duplicate key to the cabinet so I can gain entry when I need to?
To clarify, I would like to add that each property has it's own consumer unit and the supply to each property of the terrace goes through the attic of the adjacent properties. We have approached the council to see if they would be prepared to arrange for each property to have its own meter inside the property or in a cabinet outside, but they say that cannot afford to do so for the foreseeable future.
I would be very grateful to receive any comments on this vexing matter which is causing me many sleepless nights. Thank you.
jadyn