As of the 1st of December 2009, the QLD Water Commission has put in place “Permanent Water Conservation Measures” across South East QLD, including the Sunshine Coast. So what does this mean for the Owner of a Rental Property?
The onus is on the tenants to ensure day to day water consumption is kept to a minimum. The new laws are limiting water consumption to 200L per person in the household. However, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the properties water fittings are compliant with water consumption and efficiency laws.
To help Landlords get up to date with the ever changing laws there are some fact sheets and information available here. The main points that Landlords will need to focus on are in regards to Pools/Spas, and efficient irrigation.
In regards to pools and spas, there are new laws and rules regarding filling pools with town water and the devices needed to ensure the tenant has other options for filling the pool, and the owners of Pools and spas are also required to have (3) of the following (4) water saving devices on the premises:
- A swimming pool and/or spa cover
- Water efficient showerheads and taps
- Water efficient toilets
- A water efficient washing machine
The new laws surrounding efficient irrigation are quite in depth and will not apply to all landlords, especially those who own units or townhouses, or have very little lawn or garden.
Ensuring the property is compliant is of the upmost importance for owners, as tenants at non compliant properties CANNOT BE CHARGED FOR ANY WATER CONSUMPTION. A water compliant certificate is required in order to charge the tenant for water consumption. Properties must be made compliant by dates specified by the Queensland Water Commission. Compliance date information is available here for those owners not in a position to make immediate upgrades the property’s relevant plumbing.
Landlords should contact their property managers as soon as possible to discuss the best way to get the property compliant with the new laws. For more information please check out the Queensland Water Commission home page.
Brought to you by Tony Nash – RE/MAX Property Associates Sunshine Coast
Phone Tony and his team today on 07 5452 4545
www.rentaladvice.com.au
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