Separately Metered Rentals:
Tenants generally pay for electricity, gas, oil, or water usage charges in separately metered properties. A property is considered separately metered if the meter measures the utility usage solely for that property and allows for a distinct bill to be issued by the supplier. Unique identifiers like National Meter Identifier (NMI) for electricity meters and Meter Installation Reference Number (MIRN) or Delivery Point Identifier (DPI) for gas meters are crucial in ensuring accurate billing.
Embedded Networks:
Embedded networks, often found in high-density buildings or residential communities, involve private energy networks owned or operated by the building owner, an owner's corporation, or a third party. If electricity or gas is supplied through an embedded network, landlords must specify this in the tenancy agreement. This regulation applies to agreements signed from March 23, 2020.
Electricity and Non-Bottled Gas:
Landlords cover installation costs and initial connection charges for electricity or gas. Tenants pay for electricity and non-bottled gas if the property is separately metered. However, if the property lacks a gas appliance or the tenant doesn't use gas, landlords cover service charges for non-bottled gas in separately metered properties.
Electricity Meters (Including Advanced Meters):
For new tenancy agreements signed from March 23, 2020, landlords are responsible for repairing, maintaining, or replacing faulty or aging electricity meters, including advanced meters.
Bottled Gas:
Landlords cover installation costs and initial connection charges for bottled gas. They also pay for the supply or hire of gas bottles at the start of the tenancy. During the tenancy, tenants cover the cost of bottled gas for the property.
Water:
Water supply accounts are typically in the landlord's name, with landlords responsible for all water supply and sewerage service charges. In New South Wales, landlords can only ask tenants to pay water usage charges if the property is separately metered, the charges align with the landlord's billed amount, and the property meets water efficiency standards. Payment requests must be made within three months of the bill, allowing tenants at least 21 days to pay the water usage amount separately from rent.