Is Your Rental Property Still Water Efficient?
Is Your Rental Property Still Water Efficient?
Why Every New Tenancy Should Start with a Water Efficiency Inspection
Many Queensland rental properties have previously been assessed as water efficient, allowing property owners to recover water consumption charges from tenants. However, one important question is often overlooked before a new tenancy begins:
Is the property still water efficient?
It's easy to assume that because a property passed a previous assessment, nothing has changed. In reality, we regularly find that rental properties can fall out of compliance between tenancies, often without the owner or property manager being aware.
What Changes Between Tenants?
Over time, even well-maintained properties can develop issues that affect water efficiency.
During our inspections, we commonly find:
Flow restrictors removed from shower heads or taps.
Leaking toilets that continuously waste water.
Dripping taps caused by worn tap washers.
Shower heads or tapware replaced with products that no longer meet water efficiency requirements.
General wear and tear that impacts compliance.
In many cases, the outgoing tenant may not report these issues because they are responsible for paying the water bill during their tenancy. As a result, the property manager may assume the property remains compliant simply because it was compliant when the previous lease began.
A missing flow restrictor is one of the most common reasons a rental property can lose its water efficiency compliance between tenancies.
Why This Matters
Under Queensland rental legislation, landlords can generally only charge tenants for water consumption if the property meets the required water efficiency standards and the appropriate conditions are met.
If a new tenancy agreement is signed stating the property is water efficient, but an inspection later reveals it no longer complies, it can create unnecessary disputes over water charges.
These situations are frustrating for everyone involved. Property managers are left resolving avoidable issues, owners may miss out on recovering water costs, and tenants may question charges they believe they shouldn't have to pay.
A simple inspection before the start of a tenancy can help avoid these situations altogether.
The Value of a Pre-Tenancy Water Efficiency Inspection
A professional water efficiency inspection confirms that the property's fixtures continue to meet the required standard before new tenants move in.
It also provides peace of mind that:
Water-efficient fixtures are still installed.
There are no leaks affecting compliance.
Minor maintenance issues are identified early.
Documentation accurately reflects the condition of the property.
Owners and property managers can confidently proceed with the new tenancy.
Often, the repairs required are minor. Something as simple as replacing a tap washer or reinstalling a flow restrictor can restore compliance and prevent much larger problems later.
Our Water Efficiency Inspection Service
At Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting, we work with property managers and landlords to help ensure rental properties remain water compliant between tenancies.
Our Water Efficiency Inspection includes a thorough assessment of the property's water-efficient fixtures, identification of any issues affecting compliance, and practical recommendations if repairs are required.
Water Efficiency Inspection – $165
For many property owners, it's a small investment that can help prevent disputes, protect rental income, and provide confidence that the property is ready for its next tenants.
Water Efficiency Test Information - July 2026 - Subject to price change at any time
Don't Assume - Confirm
A property that was compliant two years ago may not be compliant today.
Before your next tenant moves in, take the opportunity to confirm that your rental property still meets Queensland's water efficiency requirements.
If you'd like to book a Water Efficiency Inspection or have questions about your property's compliance, contact Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting. We're here to help property managers and owners stay one step ahead.
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