NSW law and the tenancy agreement determine how rental bills are allocated. A special clause cannot simply override statutory protections.
Identify the landlord’s charges
Owners are responsible for applicable council rates, land tax and strata ownership charges, as well as statutory landlord maintenance duties. Do not describe these as transferable tenant expenses merely because a lease clause proposes it.
Check utilities individually
Electricity and gas charges depend on metering and the statutory circumstances. Water usage can be charged to a tenant only when the required metering, efficiency, billing and notification conditions are met; fixed water service and sewerage charges are landlord responsibilities. Do not treat all utility bills alike.
Keep the evidence
Provide the required usage-bill information and allow the proper payment period. Investigate unusual usage or leaks and arrange repairs. For embedded networks, shared meters or septic services, check the specific current rules before deciding who pays.
