Utilities and other payments
Landlords and tenants are both responsible for paying bills. Find out what you are responsible for.
If the costs still have to be paid when a tenant isn’t living in the house, the landlord has to pay for them. For example, the council still charges rates, so the landlord has to pay them even if no one’s living in the house.
If the costs are a result of living in the house, then the tenant has to pay. For example, the internet provider only charges when someone’s living in the house and has the internet connected.
The landlord must pay for any utilities or bills shared by different tenancies.
Online tool
Landlords cannot interfere with the supply of services
Landlords cannot interfere with the supply of services to the property. For example, landlords cannot be the cause of, or directly turn the power or water off unless it's necessary to avoid danger to a person, or to allow repairs.
Gas bottles
The landlord must make sure the property has a way to heat water and cook food. If gas is the main way to heat water and cook, the landlord must provide access to a gas supply.
In some towns and cities, gas is supplied to properties in large gas bottles rather than by mains supply. In this situation, the landlord must provide a gas cylinder and any piping needed to connect the gas.
The landlord pays for the hire charge of the gas bottles (if any). The tenant pays for the cost of the gas used.
The landlord may agree to provide a full gas bottle at the start of the tenancy, and the tenant will make sure it’s full when the tenancy ends. If you agree to this, you should record it in the tenancy agreement.
Insurance
Both tenants and landlords will need to pay for their own insurance.
Landlords should insure their rental property against any damage. Tenants should also have insurance for their belongings, and to protect them from liability.
Phone and internet services
If you’re a tenant and you have phone and internet connected to the property, you will need to pay the bills, unless these services are included in the rent.
Find out who is responsible for installing and maintaining digital TV, phone and internet services.
Digital, phone and internet services
Water and wastewater charges
Landlords must make sure enough water is available at their rental properties. If there is no piped water supply, the landlord must make sure enough water can be collected and stored.
Find out who is responsible for paying water and wastewater charges.
