Information for tenants

If you rent, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. 

This includes who pays for energy and water. 

Who pays the energy bills in NSW?

Electricity and gas 

If you have a standard Residential Tenancy Agreement, you usually pay for electricity and gas. 

You will need to open your own accounts. 

You may not need to open accounts if your lease says electricity, gas or water is included in your rent. 

In that case, the landlord must open the account. 

They cannot charge you extra fees for doing this. 

You can only be charged for electricity or gas if the property is separately metered. 

Water 

Landlords usually pay the service charges for water and sewerage. 

As a tenant, you may be asked to pay for the water you use. 

This should be written in your rental agreement before you sign it. 

A landlord can only pass on water usage charges if: 

• the property is separately metered  
• the property meets water efficiency rules  
• the charge is not more than the amount on the water bill. 

Public housing tenants 

Public housing tenants must pay for water. This is charged on top of rent. 

For more information, contact Housing NSW. 

Meter readings for tenants 

You can only be charged for the amount of water you use. 

Make sure the meter reading is written on the Condition Report when you move in. Do the same when you move out. 

Living in a share house

If you open an account in your name, you are responsible for future bills. 

If the account is in more than one name, each person can be held responsible. 

If you live in a share house, keep the account details up to date. 

Make sure everyone agrees who will pay the bills. 

You can read more about opening and closing accounts. 

Landlord and tenant disputes

Contact Fair Trading or the Tenants’ Union if: 

• your landlord does not pay an account on time  
• you have a dispute with your landlord about a high bill  
• the high bill was caused by something like a faulty hot water service. 

If you live in community or public housing and have a problem, reach out to the Housing Appeals Committee.