When it comes to managing property, every drop counts in your water bill.
Whether you’re a landlord looking to navigate water usage charges or a tenant curious about tracking your consumption, you’ll want to learn more about separate water meters.
Stick around to delve into the benefits, rules, and water efficiency measures of separate water meters.
What Does a Separate Water Meter Mean for Tenants?
Having a separate water meter for tenants is like having a personal scorecard for your water usage. It means you can keep an eye on how much water you’re using and make smart choices to save on your water bill.
It’s a fair system where you only pay for what you use, and it encourages you to be a more responsible water consumer, which is ideal for both your wallet and the environment.
What the Law Says
According to the Queensland Government’s guidelines, the law mandates the installation of sub-meters in certain situations to measure water consumption accurately.
This requirement applies to various properties, including buildings within a community title scheme and rented or leased sole occupancy units in specific building classes (class 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8).
The installation of sub-meters in these situations serves two primary purposes. First, it allows water service providers to directly bill the owners of separate lots in new buildings for their water consumption.
Second, for owners of new buildings with multiple tenancies under a single title, the use of sub-meters allows for the creation of itemised bills.
These bills are generated based on the readings from individual sub-meters, making it possible for property owners to accurately allocate the cost of water to each user.
Who Can Install a Separate Water Meter for Tenants?
The installation of separate water meters is a specialised field, and not every plumber can undertake this task for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, it requires the expertise of licensed plumbers who operate under Safe Work Management Systems and possess all the necessary insurances.
Additionally, they need to be well-versed in the latest plumbing materials and technology. The requirement is essential to ensure the installation meets water authority compliance standards.
The complexities of separate metering go beyond the capabilities of everyday plumbers. Licensed specialists have a wealth of experience in this particular area, which translates to efficient and quick work.
Another significant factor distinguishing specialists in separate meter installation is adherence to local council rules. When developing a property, whether it’s a unit, apartment complex, or housing block, you must comply with local council meter installation regulations.
These regulations often dictate that meters must be installed in line with the size of the development.
Where Should a Separate Water Meter Be Installed?
The best place to install a separate water meter depends on who will be responsible for reading it and how accessible it is.
Consider this scenario: If you’re planning to rent out your property through a real estate agency, it’s wise to position the meter so the agent can easily access and read it. It’ll ensure smooth billing and minimise inconvenience for you and your tenants.
Now, if you have an investment property with multiple buildings, say a primary and secondary dwelling, and you plan to rent them out separately, things get trickier.
In this case, the main house occupants might be less keen on allowing the real estate agent access to their yard to read the meter.
To navigate this situation, you’ll want to strategise the meter’s placement so that it remains accessible for readings, even if you decide to rent out your main house in the future.
Balancing convenience for all parties involved is critical. So, consider your immediate needs and future scenarios when deciding where to install that separate water meter.
Water Charging During Tenancy
Tenants will only be responsible for paying their water usage if these three conditions are met:
- The property has its water meter (or water is brought by a delivery truck).
- The property is considered water-efficient.
- The tenancy agreement clearly states that tenants are responsible for paying their water bills.
It’s worth noting that property owners are responsible for covering all the fixed charges, which include sewerage fees. Also, tenants cannot be charged more than what’s stated in the billable amount.
Water Efficiency Standards
You might be wondering, what is considered water efficient? Well, these entail a set of water efficiency standards set by the government.
To meet these standards, the internal cold water taps, single mixer taps, and showerheads must have a nine litres per minute maximum flow rate.
Taps for the garden, bathtub, and appliances like washing machines don’t have to be water-efficient to meet the requirement.
Meanwhile, the toilets must use a dual flush system that doesn’t use more than 6.5 litres for a full flush and just 3.5 litres for a half flush. On average, it shouldn’t exceed 4 litres of flush volume, based on one full flush and four half flushes.
In cases of a blocked toilet on the tenant’s end, it falls under their responsibility in terms of cost and repair.
Proof of Water Efficiency
Property managers or owners can prove these standards by keeping records such as:
- Receipts from the purchase of water-efficient fittings.
- Packaging from these fittings.
- Plumbing reports or compliance certificates.
- Warranties or instruction manuals for taps and showerheads.
What If the Property Isn’t Water Efficient?
Let’s assume that the property isn’t water-efficient but has its meter, and the agreement says tenants should cover water costs. In that case, the property manager or owner has to foot the bill for a ‘reasonable amount,’ and any excess water charges might be on the tenant’s tab.
Pros of Using a Separate Water Meter for Tenants
Installing separate water meters for tenants in rental properties offers numerous benefits for landlords and tenants.
These individual meters allow for more accurate tracking of water consumption, promoting responsible water usage and saving money on water charges. Check out the key advantages below:
Cost Savings for Tenants
Separate water meters empower tenants to closely monitor their daily water consumption.
By being able to keep tabs on their usage, they’re more likely to adjust their habits and reduce wasteful water practices.
Subsequently, it lowers their water bills and eases their financial burden from having to pay for other services, like lease renewal fees.
Environmental Benefits
Responsible water consumption is not only good for wallets but also for the environment. When tenants are aware of their water usage, they are more likely to conserve this precious resource.
The cumulative effect of reduced water consumption across rental properties contributes to water conservation efforts and reduces strain on the local water supply.
Accurate Billing
Utility charges can often be a source of dispute in multi-unit properties. Individual water meters provide a fair and precise method for billing tenants.
It minimises conflicts and ensures that tenants pay only for the water they consume.
Early Leak Detection
For landlords, the installation of separate meters offers a valuable advantage. Councils and water authorities can more easily detect and address leaks in the system, reducing water wastage.
Building on the environmental benefit, early identification of leaks not only saves money but also conserves water resources.
Efficient Property Management
In cases where a block of units shares a single water meter, individual meters streamline property management.
Water authorities and property management companies can efficiently monitor usage and provide accurate billing to each tenant. This reduces administrative overhead and simplifies the billing process.
Equity for Holiday Unit Owners
In apartment blocks with a mix of permanent and holiday tenants, separate meters ensure fairness
Holiday unit owners no longer have to pay the same water charges as permanent residents. They’re billed only for their water usage, ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.
Utility Provider Benefits
Utility providers also stand to gain from separate water meters. They eliminate the need for significant investments in infrastructure development and maintenance.
Consequently, it can result in cost savings and more efficient operations for water providers.
Cons of Separate Water Meters for Tenants
Although separate water meters are highly recommended, here are some drawbacks to consider.
High Installation Costs
One significant drawback of using separate water meters is the upfront installation costs. The implementation of separate water meters can be expensive, especially if you’re using smart water meters.
Technical Concerns
This disadvantage is more associated with smart separate water meters. Smart water meters rely on a stable internet connection to function. However, like all technology, they can encounter technical issues. Consequently, it can result in inaccurate billing.
Inaccurate readings not only lead to potential disputes but also undermine the very purpose of these meters – to provide precise data and efficient water management.
Key Takeaways
To conclude, separate water meters are crucial in cost-efficient and eco-friendly property management.
You could be a landlord aiming for transparent billing or a tenant seeking to curb your water usage. Either way, these meters bring tangible benefits.
They foster responsible consumption, reduce disputes, and contribute to a greener world. So, if you’re in the business of property investment and ownership or a tenant watching your water use, the choice is clear: separate water meters are a win-win solution.