Information for landlords and tenants
Who will the water meter bill be sent to?
Like rates bills, water meter bills by law must be sent to the property owner or (when it applies) a property manager.
This means that even if requested, water meter bills cannot be sent directly to tenants.
Want to have your water meter bills sent directly to a registered property manager? The property owner will need to formally notify Council of this, this can done by emailing rates@waipadc.govt.nz
Who sends the water meter bill on to the property's tenant?
That is something between the landlord and tenant, Council cannot get involved in those issues.
Read more information on the NZ Tenancy Services website.
Can the water meter bill be emailed instead of posted?
Yes, legally invoices can be sent to one (but only one) email address. You can request this by emailing rates@waipadc.govt.nz
Who pays the bill?
The property owner is legally responsible for paying the bill. However, property owners can and usually do seek reimbursement for the bill, or part of the bill, from their tenant.
Generally, part of the bill (the variable charge) is sent to the tenant. However that is something for landlords and tenants to discuss and agree on before a tenancy begins, it has nothing to do with the Council.
Read more information on the NZ Tenancy Services website.
What happens if the bill isn't paid? Will the water be cut off?
No, water will not be cut off. By law landlords are responsible for ensuring there is enough water available at their rental properties. Read more information on the NZ Tenancy Services website.
Landlords may seek reimbursement from their tenant, if they have not made payment this is something that must be resolved between the landlord and tenant.
If the invoice is not paid by the due date, penalties may be added.
If the property is vacant will a bill still be issued to the property owner?
Yes
If there is a leak, or if plumbing repairs are needed on private pipes, who do I talk to?
Generally that is the responsibility of the property owner to repair leaks.
Tenants will need to talk to the property owner or landlord as soon as there is a problem, it's important to fix water leaks quickly to minimise any damage and avoid unnecessary water use.
When will water meter bills be sent out?
They will be sent to property owners every three months.
- Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Pirongia in January/April/July/October
- Cambridge, Karāpiro in February/May/August/November
- Ōhaupō, Pukerimu in March/June/September/December
If a tenant is moving out, can I request a final reading?
Yes, simply phone Council on 0800 WAIPADC (0800 924 723) to arrange a reading for a fee.The bill will be sent to either the owner or property manager. Final read requests are actioned on Friday's only.
