Utilities: What Landlords Need to Know
Gas, power, internet, rubbish, recycling, and water services are important parts of a well-managed rental property. As a landlord, it is essential to understand which utility costs and responsibilities sit with you, and which can reasonably be passed on to the tenant.
Landlord Responsibilities
- Ensure electricity, gas, and water services are safe, compliant, and properly maintained.
- Keep plumbing, water systems, and service connections in good working order.
- Pay fixed water charges and any utility costs that are not solely attributable to the tenant’s use.
- Provide council rubbish and recycling services where these are included in the property rates. If they are not included, tenants may arrange a collection service of their choice.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Arrange and pay for their own electricity, gas, and internet services unless otherwise agreed.
- Pay metered water charges where these charges are permitted by law and relate directly to their usage.
- Dispose of rubbish and recycling responsibly and in line with local council requirements.
- Report utility faults promptly and close their utility accounts at the end of the tenancy.
Gas Safety
As a matter of best practice, landlords should have gas appliances and connections checked yearly to help ensure they remain safe and compliant. Gas bottles generally have a limited service life of 10 years, so they should be checked to confirm they are in date, in good condition, and free from rust. Where gas bottles are supplied at the property, the line fee is the property owner’s responsibility, while tenants are responsible for the gas they use.
Shared Utility Services
If a utility service is shared and the tenant’s individual usage cannot be accurately measured, the property owner is responsible for that service connection and its ongoing maintenance. Clear records and separate metering, where possible, can help avoid disputes.