Negotiating rental agreements and utilities can be a tricky situation.

Yet, for tenants, it's crucial to stay informed about one's rights and responsibilities.

A recent situation highlighted the importance of understanding these details.

The issue arose when tenants in a unit block received a letter they later posted online.

According to the notice, tenants now need to pay a monthly flat rate for reimbursement.

The block's landlord has requested an additional $110 per month to cover water usage.

'We do ask that this month when paying the normal rent, an additional $110 is made towards the cost of the water usage,' the letter stated.

Tenants received a letter from their landlord regarding an unexpected charge. Image Credit: Reddit/bbqbreadcrumb

'YVW advised that as it was unable to determine each unit's consumption of water accurately, it would need to be done privately through the real estate agent.'

'As managers of the property, this can be done perhaps next meter reading,' the letter ended.

This request caused a ripple of discontent among tenants after facing rent increases.

'How nice landlords appeal to their tenants to give more,' the post's caption wrote.

According to Consumer Victoria's guidance, the renter is responsible for paying for water and sewage disposal charges.

However, this rule only applies if the property has a dedicated meter.

If there are no means of measurement, the landlord must foot the bill.

This rule led some Aussies to suggest that the tenants should push back against the letter.

'Do not pay it; tell them to look up the law,' a comment read.

'Whilst I appreciate the landlord's position, if you can't accurately measure my water usage, I will not be paying this water usage flat rate,' another agreed.

'What a b******* notice,' a third pointed out.

The situation raised several talking points for renters across the country.

It also became a stark reminder to review rental agreements carefully and to be aware of your rights as a tenant.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take:

• Know your rights: Familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding payments in rental properties.
• Review your lease: Check your lease agreement for any clauses related to utility payments and how they are to be handled in the absence of separate metering.
• Communicate with your landlord: Clarify any misunderstandings with your landlord. Always refer to the lease agreement and local laws to support your position.
• Seek advice: If you're unsure about your rights or how to proceed, seek advice from a tenant's union or legal aid service in your area.
• Document everything: Keep a record of all communications with your landlord regarding concerns. If you need to dispute the charge, written evidence will be important.

Tenants should stay informed and assertive of their rights towards rental property.

Key Takeaways

• A landlord in Victoria requested tenants to pay $110 per month to cover water costs due to the lack of a water meter.
• The request caused discontent among tenants, especially after facing rent increases.
• Consumer Victoria states that if a property does not have its meter, the landlord must cover the water costs.
• Social media users advised the tenants to refer to Consumer Victoria's guidelines and refuse the additional charge.

Have you ever encountered a similar situation with your landlord or property manager? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give to others facing this issue? Share your experiences and tips in the comments section below.

 

[IAN3005]

The bite is upon us..... expect more charges.

 

[darrellh]

The landlord is trying to cover the service charges as well which are his costs to cover as landlord. Its a money grab at the tenants cost and not right. I hope they sort this and he is stopped properly in his tracks.

 

[IAN3005]

The landlord is trying to cover the service charges as well which are his costs to cover as landlord. Its a money grab at the tenants cost and not right. I hope they sort this and he is stopped properly in his tracks.

Don't go to the tenanats and landlords association...... they are a toothless tiger...... not worth the effort.

 

[HelenB55]

Always finding ways to screw the working people

 

[Littleboy8]

Glad our units have our own meters

 

[mOiOz]

Sewer trash!

 

[kerrikennel]

Legally they can't charge for water if each unit isn't on a separate meter. However, expect your rent to rise to cover it if you don't pay up.

 

[Trina G]

Greedy landlords and estate agents at it again!

 

[Towing]

In a lot of cases tenants pay the water bill in addition to their rent. It encourages them not to waste water but they can't be expected to pay for the water used to maintain the garden. I would have thought some of
the increase would go towards increased council rates, land tax and other Govt. levies

 

[Wayneo]

We bought an apartment to rent to our son and the water bill is no where near that it’s just a greedy money grab even with the service charges.

 

[Sherril54]

Tennant`s need their own water meters, this is an unfair practice. I do not think it is legal.

 

[Radiant]

Just shows how greedy some landlords are and how you must know the rules before taking possession of any rental

 

[MariaG]

I have to wonder why the realisation suddenly dawned. Was it in the original lease? No, it wasn't. Someone has planted the seed in this person's ear and he/she has gone gang busters on a profit spree.
As a landlord over past years, it was mandatory for me to advise that water use will be charged and clearly stated on the lease, Also, documents must be provided at time of each quarterly charge to validate the amount. It cannot be plucked out if mid-air. Because there are multi dwellings involved, it is messy. However, there must be a way of finding fair percentages and naming them on the lease. Additionally, we had to declare the payment of tenant water use as additional income. I wouldn't be surprised the landlord in this case has not, or will not, do so. The ATO can jump onto this like a flea on a dog. Admittedly we only ever rented single dwellings, however, the principle still applies.
This is a nasty way of grubbing money.

 

[Soxylox]

I never paid any water bills when I was living in a flat. You can't charge everyone the same amount. Some would shower longer than others, have more people live in the unit or stay over and why should you still have to pay when you go on holiday. Disgusting behaviour

 

[Macarj]

If that wasn't in the lease then I don't think the landlord can suddenly add another bill to the rent

 

[Macarj]

Tennant`s need their own water meters, this is an unfair practice. I do not think it is legal.

See my comment below

 

[IAN3005]

Sewer trash!

Lower than shark shite.. scum of the earth