Can Landlords Charge For Water Usage?

"Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink - If we don't want things to be this way, then we should stop and think !" Water is an essential element in sustaining life on this planet. Not only humans and all other creatures need it, but without water to grow our food, we wouldn't last long. Trees are lungs for our planet and need water to live as we do. Therefore the way we use this precious resource should be done very carefully. We pay through taxes and rates to help build dams to hold supplies, but these have a limited lifespan if water is wasted needlessly.



Even with the large number of substantial dams, water consumption has become a prime issue. Drought can reduce the best of dams to a trickle in continued dry spells and water being used as is normally done. Water restrictions have been put in place allowing residents the use of sprinklers and hand held hoses at certain hours and on specific days in order to maintain their gardens. As there are people who brazenly flaunt these rules, water meters have been made necessary to keep tabs on usage. Private homes and investment properties rented out to tenants in most cities and suburbs have them installed to keep track as is done with power and gas.



This brings into question the charging of water usage to tenants in rental properties. Many feel they should not have to pay as they do not own the property. However, is it fair to expect landlords to pay for a tenant's excessive use of water? The "user pays" theory is not always one that is welcomed with open arms. Regulations have been put in place to prevent misunderstandings from turning into volatile disputes. This gives both the landlord and tenant a clear understanding of their obligations in regard to this matter. Where a water meter for the property has been installed there will be a record of usage and it can be charged for by the landlord. This must be recorded in the Tenancy agreement that landlord and tenant sign. But landlords must be aware that the property must be free from leaking toilets or taps and the property must be water efficient before charging the tenants for water. If there is no meter installed a tenant can hardly be charged fairly for usage as they may be well under the amount allowed, tenants can only be charged for the water used, it is still the owners obligation to pay the access and sewerage portion.



Once a tenant has agreed to the landlord's demands to pay for water usage, this must form part of the tenancy agreement, and be signed by both parties. This prevents problems arising, and will ensure tenants are sensible in their use of water. For more information on water charges, landlords and tenants should contact their local property management company.





------



Property management Brisbane of eProperty Rentals http://www.epropertyrentals.com.au/ can

mediate between tenant and landlords over water usage. If property management

Ipswich is instructed to add a clause in regard to this issue it must be made

plain to the prospective tenant.