[NSW] Water Bill on Rental Property

z10cvbnm on 10/09/2018 - 22:06

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

I have an investment property (a house) that currently rented out to a tenant (in NSW). The agent has always take care of the bills and always charge the Water bill to me as expense (both Fixed Charges & Usage Charges). Just noticed that the usage has been increasing lately and wondering if the Usage Charges are supposed to be billed to the tenant?

Not sure what's the common practice. Had a discussion with friends/families and have received mixed answers (some said landlord should absorb the whole lot, some said the Usage Charges should be the tenant's responsibility).

Thank you in advance all.

Home & Garden Bill Rental Property Water

Comments

  • djkelly69 on 10/09/2018 - 22:16
    +6

    In NSW under the standard tenancy agreement, the tenant is liable to pay for consumption only if the water is separately metered and energy efficiency measures are installed - source. As you can see, there are also some other requirements around timing and payment of the bill.

    • z10cvbnm on 10/09/2018 - 22:19

      Thanks djkelly69! Need to check on the energy efficient measures. Will talk with my agent tomorrow.

      • Hardicus on 11/09/2018 - 07:16

        I assume water efficient devices rather than energy efficient?

        • djkelly69 on 11/09/2018 - 07:48

          Yeah sorry, water efficient.

    • kingmw on 11/09/2018 - 07:24
      +1

      Yep tenant should pay usage and owner pays for supply/sewage. Unless apartments where the water usage is divided up into the strata fees.

  • AustriaBargain on 10/09/2018 - 22:44
    +2

    I rented a place once that had a cap on what we pay for water at $70 per quarter. It was a good deal and convenient, but the agent still kept trying to send us the whole bill anyway. Why she thought we would pay the bill when we signed a contract saying we didn't have to I will never know.

    • Ryanek on 11/09/2018 - 08:03

      Paperwork.

  • Cheeper on 10/09/2018 - 23:48
    +5

    It's normal for the water consumption arrangement to be detailed in the lease.
    It can be zero, part or all consumption be paid for by tennant.
    What does the lease say re the water consumption?

    • z10cvbnm on 11/09/2018 - 08:07

      I will check. Thanks xywolap.

  • Geryatric on 11/09/2018 - 07:44
    -4

    You own an investment property (house) in NSW and the water bill has gone up what $50 a quarter?.. and you want to pass it on to some struggling renter? - get some perspective.

    • z10cvbnm on 11/09/2018 - 08:08
      +3

      It’s more about an exercise of knowing what’s right.

    • jjjaar on 11/09/2018 - 08:10

      I think for OP its more understanding why it’s gone up so much. Not necessarily charging the tenant, but showing them the change so they can reduce their usage. The tenants have no reason to limit their usage if their rent and water are bundled.

    • singlemalt72 on 11/09/2018 - 08:11
      +5

      You also get the renter who thinks the water is free and takes 45 minute showers and runs the sprinkler 10 hours a day!

    • pantsparty on 11/09/2018 - 08:11
      +6

      If they are a "struggling renter" and are liable to be paying for their water usage then they should decrease their usage. OP is not responsible for the finances of his tenant and managing their consumption.

    • derpdeder on 11/09/2018 - 08:55
      +1

      I rent and I'm not struggling. Please save your pity and outrage, and perhaps get some perspective yourself.

    • geech on 11/09/2018 - 09:45
      +1

      I'm currently renting in NSW, and as per my lease I pay for the water usage. I wouldn't expect my landlord to cover any increases in my water utilisation any more than I'd expect them to cover an increase in electricity usage

    • HighAndDry on 11/09/2018 - 10:18

      Seems like you forgot your meds Pops. How do you know the renters are struggling?

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