When renting a property, one common question tenants have is who is responsible for paying the water bill – the landlord or the tenant? The answer depends on the terms of the lease agreement and local laws Generally, water bills can be handled in several different ways when renting
Landlord Pays Water Bill
In some rental situations the landlord takes care of the water bill and includes it as part of the rent. Reasons a landlord may choose to pay the water bill include
- The property has a single water meter that serves multiple rental units
- The landlord lives on-site in one of the units
- It’s standard practice in that area for landlords to handle water bills
- The landlord wants to simplify utilities for tenants
- Covering water makes the rental more attractive
If the landlord pays the water bill, they will likely factor the average cost into the monthly rental rate. This way, the landlord can cover the fluctuating cost of water service while the tenant pays a predictable amount each month.
Tenant Pays Water Bill
It’s also very common for rental leases to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for paying the water bill, Reasons this arrangement is popular include
- Each unit has its own individual water meter
- The landlord doesn’t live on the property
- Tenants prefer controlling their own water costs
- Landlord wants tenants accountable for their own water usage
- It’s standard in the area for tenants to pay water
If the tenant pays the water bill, they’ll need to set up an account with the local water company upon move-in. The tenant pays the bill directly to the water company each month.
Water Bill Payment Options
There are a few different ways tenants end up paying the water bill under their lease:
Directly to the water company – Tenant opens an account and receives monthly bills in their name.
Indirectly through the landlord – Landlord’s name is on the water account but bills the tenant for actual usage each month.
Bundled into rent – Landlord estimates water costs and includes a flat fee in the monthly rent.
Split between roommates – Tenants on a shared water meter split the bill however they agree.
As long as the lease stipulates who pays the water bill and how, any arrangement can legally be made.
Changing Who Pays the Water Bill
The terms for handling the water bill are usually outlined in the rental lease agreement. However, in some cases, it may be possible to change who pays the water bill mid-lease if both parties agree. For example:
- Landlord opts to start covering water to reduce tenant headaches
- Tenant wants control of their own water costs to conserve
- An issue comes up with the current arrangement
To change who pays, have both parties sign an addendum or modification to the lease reflecting the new terms. Make sure to document the change to avoid confusion.
If Tenant Doesn’t Pay the Water Bill
Things can get tricky if a tenant is responsible for the water bill under the lease but fails to make payments. A few things that could happen:
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The landlord pays the past-due water bill to avoid shut-off. The tenant would owe that money to the landlord.
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The local water company puts a lien on the rental property for unpaid bills. This impacts the landlord’s credit and property value.
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The landlord isn’t able to shut off water service despite non-payment from the tenant.
To protect themselves, landlords should add clauses about water bill payment to their lease agreements wherever legally allowed. Requiring proof that all utilities are in good standing before returning the security deposit is also a good practice.
Water Bill Takeaways for Landlords and Tenants
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Discuss who will handle the water bill upfront before signing a lease. Don’t make assumptions.
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The lease agreement should clearly state who is responsible for water payments.
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Take meter locations into account when deciding who pays.
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Tenants should budget appropriately if they need to pay the water bill themselves.
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Landlords may choose to cover water costs to make their rental more attractive.
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Document any changes to who covers the water bill with an updated lease addendum.
Determining water bill responsibility is an important part of the rental process for both landlords and tenants. With clear terms written into the lease and proactive communication, paying the water bill can be handled smoothly.
How to Address Utilities in Your Rental Lease
If you do decide to include utilities in the rent price, your lease agreement should inform the tenant on who pays what. This can be done by including three clauses:
In this clause, you can list which utilities are the tenants’ responsibility, state that these utilities should be in the tenants’ names, or state that these utilities need to be active for the duration of the lease
Are Utilities Usually Included in Rent?
Landlords can vary on whether or not utilities are included in rent, but it’s common for some rentals to include utilities in the rent price. However, there are also rentals that do require tenants to cover the cost of common utilities. If tenants are looking for rentals that include utilities in the rent price, most apartment hunting websites allow tenants to filter listings by that criteria.
Secret to Get Tenants to Pay Their Water Bill
FAQ
Do tenants pay sewer bills in CT?
Can landlords charge for water in NY?
Who pays the water bill, tenant or landlord in India?
Are landlords responsible for unpaid utility bills in Ohio?
Does a tenant have to pay a water bill?
Unless otherwise specified, the water bill, inclusive of sewage if applicable, falls within the utility realm, akin to electricity or natural gas. If the lease stipulates that the tenant bears responsibility for all utilities associated with the property, then the water bill becomes their obligation.
Who is responsible for water bills in a tenancy?
In specific lease agreements, landlords may assume responsibility for particular utilities throughout the tenancy. If the lease explicitly mentions that water expenses are encompassed in the monthly rent, the landlord bears the responsibility for the water bill. In such cases, any outstanding water bills become the landlord’s financial obligation.
Who is responsible for water bills in a lease?
The lease determines whether the tenant or landlord is responsible for water bills. Understanding The Legal Requirement For Landlords To Provide Water “Services”: Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure tenants have access to clean water. Providing safe water sources is a key responsibility, distinct from paying water bills.
Are landlords responsible for unpaid water bills in California?
Since landlords are required to provide a habitable living space by law, most cover water, sewer, and trash themselves and recoup the cost in the tenant’s rent. ConnectCalifornia states, “The landlord can ultimately be held responsible for unpaid water bills for rental units in California.
Can a landlord charge a renter for water?
The answer is yes. In fact, it’s common for a landlord to keep the water and other necessary utilities in their name and add the utility charges on top of the rent balance. There are a few ways you can charge your renters for water and other utilities: In addition to rent, charge renters the exact bill amount for that month’s water bill.
What happens if a landlord doesn’t pay for water?
If the water isn’t paid, it can be disconnected. A water shut-down can permanently damage pipes in the winter, so it is in the landlord’s best interest to cover these utilities. Since landlords are required to provide a habitable living space by law, most cover water, sewer, and trash themselves and recoup the cost in the tenant’s rent.