Water Efficiency Standards

Property Management Basics - What Does Water Efficiency Standards Mean?

There are many different standards which must be complied with in property management. Water usage is one category that has a number of key elements for investment properties.

In order for a Landlord to charge a Tenant for water usage, three conditions must be met;

✔️ The property is separately metered

💵 The usage charges are not more than the amount the Landlord is billed by Sydney Water

📝 The property meets water efficiency standards

Water efficiency standards were introduced in 2011 under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010. Upon introduction, Landlord’s and Agents were given a 12 month grace period to implement the necessary changes. In 2020, further changes were made to the Residential Tenancies Act with regards to water efficiency standards.

So, what are the current conditions for the water efficiency standards? (If you are unsure about the first two conditions for water usage read here first).

💧 No leaking taps or toilets (at the start of the tenancy and during the tenancy)

🚿 Shower heads have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute

🚰 Internal cold water taps & single mixer taps for kitchen sinks or bathroom hand basins also must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute

🛁 Bath tub taps, laundry taps, outside taps for the garden, and washing machine and dishwasher taps do not require the 9 litres per minute flow rate.

From 23rd March 2025, a new standard will be introduced;

🚽 All toilets on the property must be dual flush and have a minimum 3-star WELS rating

Photo | R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash 

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