Tiaki Wai water services bills should not be passed on directly from landlords to renters.
From 1 July 2026, property owners including landlords will get a separate bill for water services, instead of paying for water services directly through their rates.
“A landlord is currently responsible for paying for water services via council rates. From 1 July 2026 the landlord will continue to be responsible for paying for water services,” says Tiaki Wai Establishment Director Dougal List.
It is recommended that people read the Tenancy Services advice on water and wastewater services on their website. Water and wastewater charges » Tenancy Services.
“In 2026/27 Tiaki Wai will be charging a fixed amount for water services regardless of usage or whether the property is occupied or not. The landlord (owner) would be directly responsible for paying those charges. In future years, when meters are rolled out, charges for volumetric water use (how much you use) could be passed on to renters.”
“Tiaki Wai is looking at rolling out water meters from about 2028, likely starting with a pilot. The details of how volumetric charging would be applied, including the proportion of volumetric and fixed costs, will be developed in coming years, and people will be consulted before changes are made.
“Renters are not specifically referenced in the draft Tiaki Wai Customer Charter or the draft Debtor Management and Hardship policy because landlords will be responsible for the water bill and Tiaki Wai will not have any direct financial relationship with tenants.”
"These documents are both draft and will be finalised before 30 June, after considering feedback.
“For the small number of residential customers with a water meter (for example some apartment buildings), the current system will continue. The customer can expect to continue to receive separate volumetric/ metered water invoice on the same frequency that they receive them from their council currently; but from 1 July 2026, they will be from Tiaki Wai.”