CAN I CHARGE MY TENANT WATER USAGE?

You can pass on water usage charges to your tenant provided all the minimum criteria have been met.

Minimum criteria

The minimum criteria for passing on water usage charges are:

• The rental premises must be individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle)
• The charges must not exceed the amount billed for water usage by the water supplier
• The rental premises must meet required 'water efficiency' standards.

Water efficiency Standards

A rental property is only considered water efficient if it meets these standards:

• Internal cold-water taps and single mixer taps for kitchen sinks and bathroom hand basins - Maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute
• Showerheads- Maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute
• No leaking taps- No leaking taps anywhere on the premises at the start of the tenancy or when the other water efficiency measures are installed

Time to pay

When it is time to pay the water bill, the landlord or agent will provide you with a copy of the bill or evidence of how the usage was calculated, within three months. You have 21 days to pay the amount owing.

If you want a property manager who goes the extra mile for their clients, we are the agency for you. Get in touch today.

Adele Andrews 0439 663 066

Donna Ryan 0439 663 067

Kristy Smith 0439 663 099