Do meter readers require consent to go on propety?

feedtheram · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:00

Just got a call from my other half saying she was angry as she had seen a man walk down the side of the house. She went out and quized him and he was there to read the meters (which are on the side of the house).

I dont have an issue with him reading the meter and if we werent in I wouldnt be fussed but i would have thought they should at least try to ring the bell and ask if its ok...

Anyone know if they have some legal right that allows them to come and go as they please?

rG-tom · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:01

as a hunch probably the same right as the postman has to come onto your property

tom_e · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:01

Implied right of access I would imagine same as the postie, they can come onto your property but must leave when asked and you can write to the company revoking their right of future access.

HeadlessChicken · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:03

I'd assume the majority of peeps really couldn't care less. I know I'd prefer him not to bother me unless necessary. He probably feels the same.

Participant · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:10

If he needed to open a gate or something to get down the side of your house, common courtesy would dictate that he knock first, so as not to scare the crap out of some unsuspecting resident. If you refuse access they can eventually get a warrant for access. It's easiest just to let them get on with it.

K.C. Leblanc · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:21

Robbie G said:
It's easiest just to let them get on with it.

This it, also I like having my meter read. There's been quite a few threads over the years with people getting nasty shocks because they've gone quite a long time without having them read. When they do finally get read it turns out they're been using much more gas or electric then they've been pay for.

GinG · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:30

Maybe she is angry because she was caught fapping?

Just change your electric to one where it is up to you to input meter readings on net?

redrooster303 · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:38

They can force entry into your house if they want to shut the meter off for some reason I know that.
A guy in the same block of flats as me was wiring his electric up (scamming it) and wouldn't let them read his meter and one day they just came and broke into his flat while he was out so they could shut his meter off.
This must imply they have some rights as you are using their property also, don't know how it works when your not doing anything wrong though.

feedtheram · 25 Feb 2011 at 12:51

Thought as much. I personally couldn't care less but she was in with our 1 year old and heard banging (the gate opening and bins being moved) hence why she was a bit scared/angry.

Happy to have the meter read but just wondered if there's a legal right as i was telling her i'm sure they have a right of access or something which she doubted.

Vonhelmet · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:02

Good grief. Sounds like your wife is a bit highly strung.

Doonhamer · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:09

She does, but to be fair she may have a perfectly reasonable reason to be spooked which we don't know about.

Wicksta · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:15

I'd be a bit annoyed if they had opened a side gate to get in to be honest. But then my side gate is always locked unless I'm using it.

Bill101 · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:16

Doonhamer said:
She does, but to be fair she may have a perfectly reasonable reason to be spooked which we don't know about.

Naked hoovering?

The whole reason that the meters are on the outside of newer houses is so that they don't have to bother anyone when reading them.

Doonhamer · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:21

Bill101 said:
Naked hoovering?

We can only hope for meter readers and posties everywhere, this is the reason.

eatcustard · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:21

Get a smart meter
Its automatic and no bloke needs to come out and check it.

BennyC · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:25

eatcustard said:
Get a smart meter
Its automatic and no bloke needs to come out and check it.

Is this one that emits a signal so they can just park up on the road outside your house. Take a reading and then leave without having to disturb you?

PhillyDee · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:27

BennyC said:
Is this one that emits a signal so they can just park up on the road outside your house. Take a reading and then leave without having to disturb you?

Thats the one.

SexyGreyFox · 25 Feb 2011 at 16:17

I have 2 Brother In Laws and a Sister In Law who read meters.
If you have an outside meter they can go on your property to read it without your consent but you could contact the company to ask them to knock first.
A normal meter reader can't break into the house, it has to go up the chain of command first.
One Brother In Law goes round in a car getting those 'very hard to get' readings and has called at my ex next door but one neighbours (another thread) but has always refused to go in.

Viper² · 25 Feb 2011 at 16:21

Divorce. Immediately.

Russinating · 25 Feb 2011 at 16:29

K.C. Leblanc said:
I like having my meter read.

Whatever turns you on boss...