.png)
Nov 19, 2025
Landlords must ensure the property has a reliable water supply. If there’s no town (piped) water connection, it’s the landlord's responsibility to provide a system that collects and stores sufficient water, such as tank supply.
For properties within a unit-title complex, any body corporate rules related to water supply or charge allocation become part of the tenancy agreement. Landlords should make tenants aware of these rules before the tenancy begins.
Water suppliers often charge a fixed fee regardless of consumption. Who pays depends on how the supplier bills:
If water is billed based on actual consumption and the property has its own separate meter, tenants are usually responsible for water use. This only applies if the charges can be clearly linked to the tenant’s usage.
Some suppliers calculate wastewater based on metered water. In those cases, landlords can pass on wastewater charges to tenants if it directly relates to their water use.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants are only required to pay for outgoings when they are exclusively attributable to their occupancy and usage.
The water account must remain in the landlord’s name. The landlord pays the supplier directly and then recovers any tenant-related charges. Best practice is to send the tenant a copy of the bill (with personal information removed) when requesting reimbursement.
Some water suppliers, with landlord approval, can provide a copy of the bill directly to the tenant.
If water is disconnected because the landlord did not pay the account, it is the landlord’s responsibility to restore the connection.
If the tenant fails to pay their portion after being invoiced, this is a breach of the tenancy agreement. The landlord may issue a notice to remedy. If it remains unpaid, the matter can be escalated to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Where the property relies on tank water, the landlord should provide a full tank at the beginning of the tenancy. The tenancy agreement should clearly state that the tenant will arrange and pay for any refills during the tenancy.
Landlords are responsible for ensuring the tank is suitable in size (typically 22,500L for an average home), properly connected for rainwater collection, and free from leaks and contamination. General pump maintenance is also a landlord responsibility unless damage results from incorrect tenant use, such as running the pump when the tank is empty.
Written instructions on how the tank system operates should be provided to the tenant.
For landlords, correctly managing water billing prevents disputes and avoids issues that may lead to Tribunal action. For tenants, understanding what you’re required to pay helps prevent unexpected costs.
Property managers play an important role in ensuring these responsibilities are clearly outlined in the tenancy agreement from the start.
If you’re unsure our team can help! Reach out to us - it may be time to make the switch to i-Rentals.
Water and wastewater charges are one of the most commonly misunderstood costs in rental properties. Knowing who should pay what helps prevent disputes and ensures both landlords and tenants are protected.
19/11/2025
Renovating your rental property can dramatically increase its appeal, compliance and long-term value - but knowing when and how to do it is crucial.At i-Rentals Whangārei, we help landlords across Northland make confident, strategic renovation decisions. As both property managers and investors, we know that timing, planning and legality are key to a successful upgrade.Here’s how to tell when it’s the right time to renovate your rental property, and how to do it safely and lawfully under New Zealand’s tenancy rules.
23/10/2025
From mid-2026 new government regulations will set clear methamphetamine contamination standards for rental properties across New Zealand. While these changes bring much-needed clarity, they also add extra responsibilities for landlords. Here’s what the new meth rules mean and why partnering with a property management company like i-Rentals Whangārei can make compliance simple and stress-free.
14/10/2025
