Who should pay for water charges?

Our Experts Answer:

A tenant may be required to pay for water charges if the following three conditions are met:
• the premises have a separate water meter
• the written tenancy agreement states that the tenant shall pay for metered water
• the water supplier provides water to the premises on a metered basis.

The landlord can ask the tenant to reimburse the water charges they have paid, whether this is at the discounted rate or the normal rate. I suggest you ask your landlord to give you a copy of the receipt with the water bill so you can ensure you are paying what they have paid to the water supplier. For more advice and information about water charges, you can contact the Department of Building and Housing on 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

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The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.

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