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