How to bill water fairly in a block of apartments

Sub-meters are the fair way

When every unit has its own water meter, each tenant pays for what they use. Splitting one bill equally between units always leaves someone paying for a neighbour's long showers, and it is the most common source of water disputes in shared buildings.

Set a rate per unit

Decide one price per unit of water (usually per cubic metre, which is 1,000 litres) and use it for everyone in the building. Most landlords base it on what the water company or borehole costs them, plus a small amount for pumping and repairs. Write the rate into the tenancy agreement so nobody is surprised.

Some buildings add a small fixed charge per unit for meter reading or pumps. If you do, show it as its own line on the bill.

Read meters on the same day each month

• Read every meter on the same date, so each bill covers the same number of days.
• Record the previous and current reading; units used is the difference.
• Take a photo of any reading a tenant might question.
• If a current reading is lower than last month's, check for a replaced or faulty meter before billing.

Compare with the main meter

Add up every tenant's units and compare the total with the building's main meter for the same period. A big gap means a leak, a broken sub-meter or an unmetered connection. Our water bill calculator works this out for you as you enter readings.

Put water on the same bill as rent

Tenants pay faster when there is one total: rent, water and any balance from last month, on one bill with one Paybill and account number. Separate water bills tend to be paid late or forgotten.