Are landlords liable for water charges?

Are landlords liable for water charges?

Currently, the Water Industry Act 1991 gives water companies the power to levy charges on the ‘occupier’ of the property. However, the occupier is not defined by the Act and so currently the landlord is not liable to water companies if the tenants do not pay their water bill.

Is the landlord or tenant responsible for water?

Under section 39 of the Residential Tenancies Act it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay for the fixed water charge – in turn the tenant pays for the water that is consumed.

Can a landlord be liable for tenants utility bills?

Although tenants are usually responsible for paying utility bills, if they do not pay, the landlord may find themselves liable for the bills. Some landlords choose to include utilities in the rent, if this is the case, the landlord may be responsible for paying all the utility bills that are included in the rent.

How do I pay my bills when renting?

Paying your utility bills in rental accommodation is just the same as paying them in any accommodation. Once you’ve set up an account with your supplier they will accept payment in the form of Direct Debit, bank transfer or debit or credit card.

Does service charge include water?

Service charges don’t include services to individual homes, such as: heating and hot water. lighting and water charges within your dwelling.

Who pays rates on rental property?

The occupier of the premises is responsible for paying business rates. This will usually be the owner or the tenant. Sometimes the landlord of the property charges the occupier a rent that also includes an amount for the business rates.

Do you have to pay bills on top of rent?

It’s entirely up to the landlord whether or not they include bills in the monthly rental figure, and you’ll often see a “bills included” section on the property listing. However, the majority of private landlords don’t tend to include monthly utilities in the rent, so it isn’t something you should expect.

In New Zealand, landlords are responsible for paying any fixed water charges billed by a water supplier. You pay these whether your property is occupied or not. If water to your property is billed by consumption, your tenant is responsible for paying metered water that is directly attributable to the property.

When does a tenant not have to pay for water?

The tenant does not have to pay for water charges if: the landlord does not ask for payment within 3 months of the bill’s issue the tenant asks for a copy of the account and the landlord doesn’t provide it within 30 days. The tenant should organise connections for gas, electricity and telephone and they are responsible for supply and use charges.

How long does it take to pay water bill for rental property?

the property meets the ‘water efficiency’ standards. The landlord or agent can request payment from the tenant for water usage charges within 3 months of a bill being issued. They will need to provide the tenant with a copy of the bill. The tenant must be given at least 21 days to pay the water usage amount owing.

Who is responsible for paying the rent to the water company?

You should also check who’s responsible for paying the water charges to the water company. If water charges are included in your rent, it will be your landlord so send the bill to them. To find out which water company supplies your area, go to the Consumer Council for Water’s website at: www.ccwater.org.uk.

Can a landlord interfere with water and gas in a rental property?

A landlord or agent who interferes with the supply of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications services or other services to the rented property will be in breach of the tenancy agreement. This doesn’t include if the interference is necessary to avoid danger to any person or for maintenance or repairs.