What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts
About four years ago I bought an old (1840's) house. About six months later I found out that my water meter and main water feed for my house are in a neighbor's house on a different street (behind me). Very curious indeed but we just chalked it up as one of the many quirks of this house.
The house with our meter in it was just sold. The new owner discovered our meter and wants it removed - not an unreasonable desire. I contacted the city, they said that they could bring a new water line to the front of my house and they would pay for that. It would be my responsibility to pay to bring the line from the street into my house (excavation, etc) and to pay for the hookup to my plumbing system. Given the expense, I'd be happiest to just leave everything as it is.
My neighbor is insistent, so I suggested that we split the expense. He says it's not his problem and that "you can't have your plumbing in my house".
So my question is: Given that my meter and main have been in that house for 100+ years and during that time both properties have had multiple owners, do I have any legal right to leave my meter there? From the point of view of the law, is this my problem, his problem, or both of ours?
Also, the deed for neither house mention this oddity and there appears to by no formal easement on record.
About four years ago I bought an old (1840's) house. About six months later I found out that my water meter and main water feed for my house are in a neighbor's house on a different street (behind me). Very curious indeed but we just chalked it up as one of the many quirks of this house.
The house with our meter in it was just sold. The new owner discovered our meter and wants it removed - not an unreasonable desire. I contacted the city, they said that they could bring a new water line to the front of my house and they would pay for that. It would be my responsibility to pay to bring the line from the street into my house (excavation, etc) and to pay for the hookup to my plumbing system. Given the expense, I'd be happiest to just leave everything as it is.
My neighbor is insistent, so I suggested that we split the expense. He says it's not his problem and that "you can't have your plumbing in my house".
So my question is: Given that my meter and main have been in that house for 100+ years and during that time both properties have had multiple owners, do I have any legal right to leave my meter there? From the point of view of the law, is this my problem, his problem, or both of ours?
Also, the deed for neither house mention this oddity and there appears to by no formal easement on record.