Charging Tenants For Water Usage

Conveyancing involves a number of issues to be handled by landlords and tenants. A detailed tenancy agreement helps in protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants. All issues related to the use of property are clearly stated in this document. Charging for water usage is one such issue that has to be dealt with by both parties. Property management companies have complete knowledge regarding rules and regulations related charges for water usage. With the help of these professionals all conditions must be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement so that there are no disputes regarding this later on.

Contrary to the recent rainfalls, water shortage continues to be a serious concern in the South East Queensland region. Many parts of Queensland have been subjected to severe water restrictions over the past decade. Therefore, residents new council water usages have been introduced n an attempt to reduce the amounts of wastage.

When can a tenant be charged for water usage?

The water consumption costs can be passed to the tenants in a number of conditions. One, if the rental premises are metered individually, alternatively if it is delivered to each premise by vehicle. Two, if the residents are water efficient. This has a number of implications, such as the maximum flow of water in showerheads and water taps should be nine liters per minute. In each case, the arrangement must be clearly included in the tenancy agreement.

In case the property has individual metering but is not water efficient, the landlord or lessor must pay for an agreed amount as stated in the tenancy agreement. This amount is settled with the consent of both landlord and the tenant and is decided at the start of the tenancy. If the tenant consumes more water than the agreed amount, charges are passed on. In case the property is not individually metered, the tenants cannot be charged for water consumption.

The issue of water charges can create misunderstandings between the landlord and the tenant and can even lead to disputes. Before charging the tenants with water usage, the landlords must ensure a few things. These include checking for leaky toilets or faulty plumbing and whether the property is water efficient or not.

Property managers help landlords and tenants in formulating the tenancy agreement that ensures rights of both parties are well protected. Charging tenants for water usage is one of the key points that need to be clearly stipulated prior to the lease of the property.