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without knowing the layout of the props and pipes - any noticeable increase in bills? or you all un metered?
if its a meter it should be in the pavement - you will easily see it a scar as the ground would have to be dug out to install it. if not, they just fitted a temporary logger.
if you have a permanent meter which has the dials etc - simply tell all properties to isolate their water by the stopcock and see if the meter is still moving.I would called affinity and ask for a reinspection to be sure - they can easily sound all pipes (assuming not plastic) to hear for top noise
as you said - logical solution will be no1-5 to come to an agreement and locate the leak if one and fix it - any reputable groundworks co can do it - not sure of cost
musa-
The trouble is I'm not in the country and our letting agents have shown themselves to be feckless.
The Water Co. said there was a leak following an inspection - but this was apparently done on a rainy day, and the other houses did not feel it was carried out properly. Then when they pushed Water Co. installed a meter so No. 1 - 5 could all shut off / not use their water at once. The meter still showed water usage indicating a leak. This test by No.s 1-5 only happened a couple of weeks ago.
My main concern is how I approach it with; a) my current landlord + building insurers, and b) my soon to be private home + contents insurers.
I'm nervous about getting stuck with a massive bill and being uninsured.
Also I'm generally unclear of what Water Co's liability is in respect of the pipe.
hugo7
No. It was one they put in on the shared supply pipe to establish whether there was a leak. I assume it's in a publicly visible location.
This is down to No. 2 arguing that without proof of a leak you couldn't establish there was one. Which as No.1 apparently had a dug hole* constantly filling with water sounds a bit obtuse... but probably the correct thing to do.
*dug for an extension being built