How to improve water efficiency in rental properties

Meeting water efficiency measures

For a rental property to meet water efficiency measures, it must have:

• for all toilets on the property – dual flush functionality and a minimum 3-star WELS rating
• for cold water, and single mixer taps – a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute for internal kitchen sinks and bathroom hand basins. Taps for the bathtub, laundry sink, washing machines, dishwasher and outdoor taps are exempt from the 9 litre per minute flow rate requirement
• for shower heads – a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute
• no leaking taps or toilets anywhere on the property at the start of the tenancy and whenever the other water efficiency measures are installed, repaired or upgraded.

Charging tenants for water usage

If a landlord is charging a tenant for water, then water usage charges should be paid separately to rent. 

Billing periods for water usage are unlikely to align with the rental agreement. The initial condition report at the start of the tenancy should record the water meter reading to ensure the tenant does not pay for another person’s water usage. 

A landlord or agent must request payment within 3 months of the bill being issued and give the tenant at least 21 days to pay.

If a tenant believes they are being incorrectly charged for water usage, they should continue to pay the water usage until the issue is resolved. For more information, see Non-payment of water and utilities in a rental property.

Learn more about landlord obligations for Connection and supply of water to rental properties.

For more information on charging tenants for water, download the Water efficiency measures for rental properties in NSW fact sheet.

Upgrading to improve water efficiency

If shower heads, taps or toilets need to be replaced, landlords should consider replacing them with items that meet the water efficiency measures to be able to continue passing on water usage charges to the tenant.

Landlords who wish to pass on water usage charges to their tenants should also ensure existing toilets in their property are dual flush toilets with a minimum 3-star WELS rating to meet the water efficiency requirements in place from 23 March 2025.

For more information about water saving products and water rating labels, visit the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme website or call 1800 372 746. 

Learn more about How to save water at home. 

Demonstrating water efficiency

Water efficiency measures should appear on the condition report for the rental property. Tenants must not tamper with water efficiency measures – or they may have to pay to replace them.

Tenants could consider asking their landlord or agent to provide evidence demonstrating water efficiency. This could include the following:

• original receipts or packaging
• warranties or instruction manuals
• model name or registration number (provided by the WELS rated product)
• a written statement or report from a licensed plumber that clearly states who the plumber is, that they have conducted a water efficiency check of the property, and whether or not the taps, shower heads or toilets meet the minimum water efficiency requirements. Verify your plumber’s licence using the public register prior to engaging them to undertake work or inspections. 

If the above evidence is not available, tenants can consider testing the water efficiency themselves.

How to test for water efficiency

Taps and shower heads

You can check that taps and shower heads meet water efficiency measures by:

1. placing a bucket under the tap
2. turning the tap on completely for one minute
3. measuring how much water is in the bucket once a minute is up.

The amount of water in the bucket should not be more than 9 litres. This equals the required maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.

Toilets

To check whether a dual-flush toilet meets water efficiency measures, you can measure the toilet's capacity using a flush test. This may not be possible for all toilets, depending on where the water valve is located. You may wish to wear rubber gloves.

1. Close the water shut-off valve to the toilet and take the lid off the toilet cistern at the back of the toilet. The water valve is usually located behind the toilet or near the rear of the toilet, close to the wall. It may look like a small tap handle or lever. It may also be located inside the cistern.
2. Look inside the cistern. Most cisterns have a line marked on the inside of the tank, showing the expected water level when the cistern is full. If you can’t see a line, mark the current level using masking tape or an erasable marker.
3. Flush the toilet using the full flush (the cistern and won’t refill with the water valve off).
4. Using a measuring jug, measure how much water it takes to refill the cistern to the water line mark. Write this amount down. This is the flush volume of the toilet.
5. After testing, remember to turn your toilet water valve back on. You may repeat the above steps to calculate a half-flush.

The total amount of water should not be more than 6.5 litres of water for a full flush of the toilet or 3.5 litres for a half flush. If your measurement exceeds this number, the toilet may not satisfy a 3-star WELS rating.

Please note, these tests may help indicate whether items meet the water efficiency requirements. If tenants have concerns or the test does not provide the desired results, they should contact their landlord or property manager.

Check for leaks

If you are concerned about water usage you may want to check for leaks. Keep an eye on your water meter and undertake a physical inspection for any leaks from water sources inside and outside the home.

There are several ways you can troubleshoot leaks.

Monitor your water meter

If your water meter is ticking over when no-one's using water, you may have a water leak.

Any sudden increase in water usage on your bill may also indicate a leak. Some meters have a dial to show you when you have a leak.

You can also perform the following test:

1. Turn off all taps and anything that uses water, such as drip systems, dishwashers and washing machines
2. Write down the numbers on the water meter dials
3. Wait an hour, and check whether the number on your water meter has changed. 

Physical inspection

You may be able to see or hear if there is a leak inside or outside the home. 

Inside the home leaks may be noticeable in dripping toilets, showers, taps in bathroom and kitchen pipes and hose connections that are easily accessible such as dishwashers or washing machines.

Outside the home, you can inspect your water meter, hot water systems, taps and hose connections, irrigation systems, and pool accessories, such as pumps and pool cleaners for leaks. Disconnect hoses or irrigation pipes that are always connected to garden taps to check they aren't leaking. If you suspect there is an underground pipe leak, look for green patches of grass that are different from the surrounding grass.

Getting help

If there is a leak or something is broken

An expert or licensed plumber may need to be involved to fix the leak. 

If you are a tenant and have concerns or notice a leak, contact your landlord/agent to discuss the issue. 

Learn more about Getting repairs done on a rental property. 

Landlords and tenants can also contact their local water provider if they think the water bill is too high.

Water providers may have programs in place that can assist, such as:

• WaterFix program – Sydney Water
• Undetected Leak Rebate – Hunter Water
• WaterNSW

If you have concerns about water usage charges

Landlords and tenants should contact their local water provider if they think the water bill is too high.  

If you are a tenant paying your water usage charges and are concerned about the property not meeting the water efficiency requirements, you can contact NSW Fair Trading for further information, or your local tenants advice and advocacy service.  

Landlords and tenants may also apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to resolve a dispute about water charges. 

Examples of a dispute could be: 

• a landlord who is concerned that their tenant frequently pays for water charges late
• a tenant who is not satisfied that their landlord is meeting water efficiency requirements. 

From NSW Fair Trading

Ask a question, get support, make a complaint, give feedback or get help with a dispute on matters relating to residential tenancies.

NSW Fair Trading call centre: 13 32 20

Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm

• Make a tenancy or other real estate related enquiry
• Provide feedback or make a complaint to NSW Fair Trading
• Get information and advice about dealing with tenancy disputes