Charges for Services - Water

[Bazza]

Hi Guys,

I was just reading through the General Tenency Agreement (Form 18a Qld) and noticed that a tenant can be charged for water supply (item 11c). Is this normal? Or do you just charge them for excessive use?

Cheers,

Bazza

[geoffw]

As long as it's separately metred it's OK. There's no incentive to save water otherwise.

[Les]

Careful Bazza,

From what I've heard from several PM's, in Qld only EXCESS water is chargeable, even if separately metered. I'd be interested in hearing from other Qld landlords on this one.

Regards,

[geoffw]

Fair point Les- it is dependant on the state.

Previously posted (water in other states):
http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19969
http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16764
http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16492
http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12851
http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6342

[Les]

Onya, Geoff,

Your second link seemed to fit with what I'd heard.
Fact sheet - www.rta.qld.gov.au

(in part)
"The lessor/agent can only ask you to pay for water use if the property has an individual water meter. The lessor must pay for your reasonable water use, and can only charge you for extra water used above that amount.

Other links, though, indicated this might be changing in Qld. And, I'm not one to assume I have the latest, best knowledge in any of this, so still interested in hearing from other Qld landlords too.

But, anyway, top marks, Geoff - kudos coming your way - and thanks,

Regards,

[geoffw]

Good of you to follow up and expand- thanks Les.

[liverpoolharryk]

In QLD a landlord can only charge for water if it is seperately metered, however can only charge for excess water.

"The Lessor/Agent can only ask you to pay for water use if the property has an individual water meter. The Lessor must pay for your reasonable water use, and can only charge for extra water above that amount. When you move in, you should record the water meter reading on the entry condition report (form 1a). You should agree with the Lessor/Agent about what 'reasonable' water use means, and include this in the terms of the agreement. If you and the Lessor/Agent disagree about water charges, refer to pages 18-19 'Resolving disputes"

This paragraph is directly form the RTA Form 17a booklet given tenants when moving into a premises.

We generally allow up to 60Kl of water per quarter depending on the property. It may have more gardens etc, anything over this then the tenant is responsible for.

Hope that hepls!

Jarrod
Jarrod Lane Real Estate :)

[Bazza]

Thanks for all the good advice. I guess charging for excess water only is fair.

Cheers,

Bazza

[quoll]

In SA we have charged our tenants for excess water in the Metro area but at Roxby Downs the tenants are charged for all the water usage and it's more expensive than the water in the Metro area.

quoll