19 May Can I charge my tenant for the water they use?

Lessors are allowed to pass on the full water consumption charges (including bulk water charges) to tenants provided all the minimum criteria have been met.

• the property is individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle), and
• the property is water efficient, and
• the tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption

The property owner must pay all fixed charges. The tenant cannot be charged more than the billable amount.

 Proving water efficiency

It is a good idea for the property manager/owner to be able to demonstrate the presence of water efficient fittings by having copies of:

• plumbing reports (or compliance certification)
• receipts
• packaging
• warranties or instruction manuals for taps and shower heads

Water efficient property

A property is considered water efficient if certain water fixtures meet these standards:

Only internal cold water taps installed over a hand basin, kitchen sink or laundry trough (including single mixer taps) need to be water efficient. Other taps such as bath tub taps, outside taps for the garden, or taps which supply washing machines or dishwashers do not have to be water efficient to meet the requirement.

If your tenants are not currently paying for the water they use, call McAskill Realty today on 0412 003 681.