Timeframe for passing on water charges

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by sage99, 8th Jul, 2015.

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  1. sage99

    sage99 Active Member

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    I have realised recently that I have forgotten to send water usage bills to tenants over a period of time of around 12 months. Is there a cutoff that applies to how long I have to pass on the charges?

    The properties are in Qld.
     
    sage99, 8th Jul, 2015
    #1
  2. Pistonbroke

    Pistonbroke Well-Known Member

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    Check the lease, some states give you 6 months.
     
    Pistonbroke, 8th Jul, 2015
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  3. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    There is a time frame, and you will find it on the RTA website. Sorry, I cannot recall without looking it up myself. I "think" it is 3 months, but best to check.
     
    wylie, 9th Jul, 2015
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  4. Lu Bracher

    Lu Bracher Well-Known Member

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    Water charging - QLD timeframes
    The RTA will say 6 months.
    I have experienced with QCAT adjudicators and it was determined as follows: .."there was no reason why the landlord, when s/he became aware of the cost (receipt of the water invoice), did not immediately pass that onto the tenant and as such, by withholding the known cost, put the tenant in financial hardship..." and as such ruled in favour of the tenant with only the most recent notice.
    So along these lines, best case to forward as soon as you get your copy.
     
    Lu Bracher, 11th Jul, 2015
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  5. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    I agree with the magistrate - delaying the pain dows not benefit the tenant but puts them under stress.
     
    Scott No Mates, 11th Jul, 2015
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  6. 380

    380 Well-Known Member

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    @sage99

    I think its 3 months in NSW
     
    380, 11th Jul, 2015
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  7. WestOz

    WestOz Well-Known Member

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    In Perth (not sure about WA regional suppliers) we can have usage only directly invoiced to tenant from supplier, landlord also receives a copy, however in the end the landlord is still responsible if tenant doesn't pay (get a closing meter reading done after vacating).
    Perhaps check out or put pressure on your own national suppliers for same

    http://www.watercorporation.com.au/...nt-for-water-use-changed-into-my-tenants-name
     
    WestOz, 11th Jul, 2015
    #7