If the water is separately metered, the Tenant can be held responsible for water usage. In Townsville, it is common for the water to be included in the rent, as most Owners opt for the Standard Water Plan with their rates – this allows up to 772kL per year.

There may also be additional water efficiency requirements to be met, depending on the current water efficiency of your property.

There is a section on the Tenancy Agreement that details the conditions of water usage charges. From the date a Tenant commences and if specified on the Tenancy Agreement, Tenants are responsible to pay for electricity, telephone, gas plus water usage charges.

The Landlord is responsible to pay Council / Shire sewerage and drainage rates, Land Tax and all corporate charges.