Are You Liable for Paying Your Tenant’s Water Bill?

Are You Liable for Paying Your Tenant’s Water Bill?

Hannah McCartan
27th September 2017

Rent Smart Wales were reminding landlords last week of their obligation to inform Dwr Cymru Welsh Water of a change of tenant at their properties.

The regulation came in in January 2015. It was introduced as a measure by the Welsh Government to tackle poverty by reducing debts to water suppliers, and thus making water charges more affordable for everyone.

What are my obligations?

All landlords of properties supplied by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water or Dee Valley Water (whether in England or Wales) need to inform the water supplier within 21 days of a change of tenant. You will also need to provide them with basic details for the new tenancy:

  • Property address
  • Titles, full names, and dates of birth for all adult occupants
  • Tenancy start date

Failure to comply with the regulation will mean you as the landlord become joint and severally liable for any water or sewerage charges incurred during the period of non-compliance – so you could end up paying your tenant’s bills.

At McCartan Lettings, we keep our landlords up-to-date and compliant with legislation affecting the rental market. In conjunction with the Tenant Shop, we inform utility companies of new tenancies we have set up.  If you would like any advice, or if you are looking for new tenants for your property, please call the team on 01792 430100.

Sources: Rent Smart Wales / Dwr Cymru Welsh Water / Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government 

Related: Could your EPC stop you letting out your property? / PropertyFile launches for McCartan Clients

Other articles like this

Christmas Opening Hours 2023
Christmas Opening Hours 2023
Here are our Christmas opening hours, along with some further useful information for our managed landlords and tenants.  Our Christmas opening hours for 2023 are as follows:      Friday 22nd December 09.30- ...
Are you a landlord in Wales, and let your property in the last 12 months?
A recent update in Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, legislation has ploughed many unsuspecting Welsh landlords into confusion again.   What is the update? On 6th December 2023 the legislation was updated ...
Christmas Opening Hours
Christmas Opening Hours
Another year gone by! Here are our Christmas opening hours, along with some further useful information for our managed landlords and tenants. Our Christmas opening hours for 2022 are as follows: ...
Report Maintenance