Water charging
Download this information on water charging as a fact sheet (PDF 153kB)
Lessors (landlords) are allowed to pass on the full water consumption costs to tenants provided all the minimum criteria have been met.
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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 3 star WELS rating or higher. These water efficiency levels may be achieved through installing 3 star WELS rated products or through the use of 'add on' devices, such as aerators or flow restrictors.
| Water efficient devices | *Minimum water efficient standard required |
| Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps (excluding bathtub taps and taps for appliances) | Must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute. |
| Showerheads | Must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute. |
| Toilets | Must have a dual flush function that does not exceed 6.5 litres on full |
*Visit the WELS website for more information about water saving devices.
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 government (council) about average water consumption in the local area.
- Water billing periods are unlikely to align with tenancy agreements. It's important that both the tenant and the lessor/agent make a note of the water meter readings at the start and end of the tenancy (on the Entry and Exit Condition Reports) to help 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 the tenant is to be charged. Tenants will not be billed directly by water supply authorities for water.
- Tenants have 1 month in which 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 Water Commission 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
- faxing a Request for Forms to 3216 2258
- visiting the RTA offices at 33 Herschel St, Brisbane
- calling the RTA's Forms Distribution Service on 1300 136 939
- posting a Request for Forms to the Forms Distributor: Post Logistics, 52-54 Qantas Dr, Eagle Farm 4009.
A selection of the most commonly used forms are also available at Australia Post outlets around Queensland.
If you need interpreting assistance to help you understand this information, contact TIS on 13 14 50 (for the cost of a local call) and ask to speak to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).
