News

Wellington Rental Property Owners — Your Water Bills Have Changed

From 1 July 2026, water services transferred to Tiaki Wai, and property owners are now receiving a separate water services invoice in addition to their council rates bill.

But here's the important point for landlords:

The new billing arrangement does NOT change who is responsible for paying the different water charges under tenancy law.

So who pays what?
For most residential properties that are not separately water metered, the property owner remains responsible for the water charges.

According to Tenancy Services:
LANDLORDS generally pay:
Fixed water charges
Water supply charges
Wastewater charges
Stormwater charges

TENANTS may pay:
Metered water consumption charges — where a compliant water meter is installed and the charge relates specifically to the tenant's water use.

So landlords shouldn't simply receive their new Tiaki Wai invoice and pass the whole bill on to their tenant.

Only qualifying metered water usage can potentially be recovered from the tenant.

Thinking about installing your own water meter?

You may want to hold off.
Tiaki Wai has indicated that residential water metering is planned for the future, but property owners are not currently encouraged to install their own meters.
That's because the type of meters that will ultimately be used hasn't yet been determined. A meter installed now may not be compatible with the future system, and the installation cost would be yours.

A good reminder for rental property owners
Whenever councils or other authorities change the way property costs are invoiced, don't automatically assume that means the cost can be passed on to your tenant.

Who receives the bill and who is legally responsible for the bill can be two very different things.
Understanding the distinction between property-related water costs and a tenant's actual water consumption can help avoid disputes and keep you compliant with your obligations as a landlord.

At Stephen Larsen & Co, we work with rental property owners to help them keep good financial records, understand their rental property expenses and meet their tax and accounting obligations. Our Rental Property Owners Financial Guide also emphasises the importance of maintaining proper documentation for rental income and expenses.

If you own a rental property in the Wellington region, keep an eye out for your new Tiaki Wai invoice — and make sure you're accounting for it correctly.

Source: Tenancy Services, 18 August 2026.