In QLD and NSW, a landlord can only pass on water charges to a tenant if all water devices at the property meet water efficiency standards. The simple solution: a single service and a single certificate to cover water efficiency across the whole property.
In both QLD and NSW, landlords can pass on water consumption charges to tenants but only if the property meets minimum water efficiency standards.
If the property isn’t deemed water efficient, the landlord is not allowed to pass on the full water consumption charges to the tenant.
The simplest solution is to lock in a regular water efficiency service to make sure standards are maintained, with a compliance certificate to prove it. With this in place the landlord is able to pass the water bills on to the tenant with no extra hassle. Plus you’ll be minimising the waste of precious water!
Know the requirements in your state
Each state has individual rules.
In QLD:
- Minimum water efficiency standards apply to internal cold water and mixer taps, shower heads and toilets.
- In order for landlords to pass on the full water usage charges to tenants, the property must meet water efficiency standards for the entire tenancy period.
- This means the property needs to meet standards before it’s rented out and water efficiency must be maintained throughout the tenancy.
In NSW:
- Minimum water efficiency standards apply to internal cold water and mixer taps in kitchens and bathrooms, shower heads and toilets.
- Additionally, there must be no leaking taps or toilets anywhere on the property at the commencement of the tenancy and any time water efficiency maintenance is done.
- From March 2025, all toilets must be dual-flush and have a minimum 3-star WELS rating. Non-conforming toilets will need to be replaced before the new legislation becomes effective.
Full details of the rules in each state can be found on our legislation page.
Proving water efficiency
In both NSW and QLD, water efficiency measures should be stated on the entry condition report. Tenants are allowed (and encouraged) to ask for evidence that the standards have been met and maintained. Landlords need to keep written proof to show they’ve done the right thing.
Landlords can offer proof in one of two ways:
- You could keep evidence for each individual water device: this must be written documentation such as receipts, warranties, packaging, instruction/installation manuals or plumber’s reports.
- Or you can get an all-inclusive service and a single water efficiency certificate to cover the whole property.
A single service with a single certificate
The simple solution is to get a regular service and a compliance certificate that covers the whole property, tailored to meet the legislative requirements in your state.
Detector Inspector’s water efficiency service includes:
- A water efficiency assessment checked against the relevant state-based legislation
- Identification of leaking taps and toilets
- Identification of all works required to meet the requirements
- Water efficiency certificate issued once the property has been brought up to standard
As with all our services we keep a digital record of all water efficiency measures and compliance certificates for the property, so you can easily produce proof of compliance on request.
A water efficiency service is available for a low flat fee as an add-on to our smoke detector service.
Save water, save money, save hassle
If you’re charging tenants for water and you can’t prove that your property meets water efficiency standards, you could be in violation of legislation. Sort it out today with a simple service and get a compliance certificate to show you’re meeting requirements.
If you’re not charging tenants for water, you could be! Just ensure the property is water efficient before the commencement of the next tenancy agreement, and you can start passing on water consumption charges to the tenant.
