Lessors (landlords) are allowed to pass on the full water consumption costs to tenants provided all the minimum criteria have been met.
What are the minimum criteria for water charging?
Lessors will be able to pass on the full water consumption costs to tenants if:
the rental premises are individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle), and
the rental premises are water efficient, and
the tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption.
What is a water efficient rental premises?
Water efficient rental premises are where required internal cold water taps, showerheads and toilets meet the performance standards for a three star WELS rating or higher. These water efficiency levels may be achieved through installing three star WELS rated products or through the use of add on devices, such as aerators or flow restrictors.
For more information about the WELS scheme visit the WELS website.
Water efficient devices Minimum water efficient standard required
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Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps (excluding bathtub taps and taps for appliances) A maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute.
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Showerheads A maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute.
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Toilets A dual flush function not exceeding 6.5 litres on full flush and 3.5 litres on half flush and a maximum average flush volume of four litres (based on the average of one full flush and four half flushes).
Important points to note:
Tenants and lessors/agents should negotiate obligations at the start of the tenancy and put these in the tenancy agreement, for example, if the lessor is to contribute to water costs.
It may be helpful to contact the local council about average water consumption.
Water billing periods are unlikely to align with tenancy agreements. It's important that both the tenant and the lessor/agent make note of the water meter readings on the condition reports at the start and end of the tenancy to calculate water consumption.
Lessors will receive the water bill, pay for the full amount and should provide their tenants with a copy of any water bills or evidence of water consumption figures to verify the amount to be charged. Tenants will not be billed directly by water supply authorities.
Tenants have one month to pay the agreed amount for water consumption after the lessor provides evidence of the costs to the tenant. The lessor/agent cannot require the tenant to pay more than the billable amount, or charge tenants late fees.
If the tenant and lessor/agent cannot agree about water charges, the RTA's Dispute Resolution Service may be able to assist.
Water saving tips can be found on the Queensland Government website.
Accessing RTA forms
The RTA's approved forms can be obtained by:
Visiting the forms page on this website
Calling the RTA on 1300 366 311
Visiting the RTA office
A selection of the most commonly used forms are also available at Australia Post outlets around Queensland.
Last Updated: 11 November 2010
