TasWater's relationship for billing purposes is with the owner of the property, not with the tenant.
In some cases, TasWater has inherited legacy billing arrangements from councils, where tenants are receiving statements for water and sewerage fixed charges and water usage. As we become aware of these situations, we are updating customer details and ensuring the statements are sent to the owner of the property. Should this situation apply to you please help us to correct our records by contacting TasWater on 13 6992.
Residential tenancy billing
In accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act (1997) Tasmania, landlords may only seek water usage charges from tenants as long as there is an individual meter installed on the rental property.
Where there is only one boundary meter serving a number of units that are tenanted, a landlord cannot fairly apportion water usage charges to the tenant of each property. Fixed water and sewerage charges are the responsibility of the property owner.
Commercial tenancy billing
Arrangements for payment of water and sewerage fixed charges and water usage should be clearly defined in a lease agreement between the tenant and the landlord. If such an arrangement is not clearly defined within a lease agreement, the water and sewerage fixed charges and the water usage is the responsibility of the property owner.
Should the Commercial property owner wish to ascertain water usage between separate leases, TasWater is happy to provide advice regarding the installation of sub-meters. However, the cost of such an installation is the responsibility of the property owner. It is important to note that TasWater will bill service charges and water usage charges to the owner of the property only, regardless of any agreements between the landlord and the tenant.
For more information, please contact 13 6992 or email [email protected].
To appoint an Authorised Representative, please complete the following form:
Authorised Representative Form PDF (PDF 105.3KB)
For Property Management Authority, please complete the following form:
Property Manager Authority Form PDF (PDF 190.9KB)