Charging Tenants For Water Usage

Property management involves a number of things. One problem that is faced by many landlords and tenants is to charge for water usage. As the problem of water conservation continues to grow, water charges are rising considerably. There are certain conditions under which charges for water usage are made to the tenants and, in some cases, these are made to the landlords. These should be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement so that no disputes occur between the two parties. The property management companies can provide better guidance as they are more aware of the current laws.

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.


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Yes Rent http://www.yesrent.com.au/ is
a specialist property management Brisbane company that has a team of qualified
property managers Gold Coast to manage and take care of rental properties.