Landlord Wanting Us to Pay for Water Usage from Burst Pipe

tjc589 on 11/07/2018 - 21:25
Last edited 12/07/2018 - 09:03 by 1 other user

Looking for a bit of help and advice.

We are renting in QLD, and a few weeks back gardener noticed a leaking pipe in the garden. We notified landlord and pipe was repaired next day.

Landlord has now sent us a bill for the water usage that is about 8 times more than usual. He even sent a copy of a note he got from the water company alerting him to very high water usage.

Landlord is saying that he is only liable for usage charge after he has been notified, and anything before that is not his problem.

Issue is that the pipe has obviously been leaking for weeks, but only noticed by the gardener as it was in an area we never see. There was no loss of water pressure or water gushing down a driveway or anything like that.

Anyone know where we stand on something like this?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • No on 11/07/2018 - 21:36
    +3

    Ring these dudes

  • thatonethere on 11/07/2018 - 21:44
    +1

    If the leak was concealed the landlord can get a refund

    https://www.urbanutilities.com.au/contact-us/concealed-leak-…

    • tjc589 on 11/07/2018 - 21:56
      +1

      Thanks for that link- have sent to landlord so hopefully that will follow up- cheers

      • lookin4bargain on 12/07/2018 - 06:26
        -1

        And what did the landlord say?

    • INFIDEL on 23/01/2024 - 12:08

      Updated link below

  • jug123 on 11/07/2018 - 21:47
    +1

    The landlord can put in a claim to reduce the water bill if it was in a concealed area, like walls, underground, etc as long as they provide proof, which is usually photos or invoice. If this was observable to the naked eye it will need to be paid by someone & I'd assume there is a duty of care by the tenants unfortunately, this is assuming you already pay the excess water component of the bill

  • tjc589 on 11/07/2018 - 21:50
    +2

    Thanks for the feedback- much appreciated.

  • Scab on 12/07/2018 - 06:32
    +1

    was in an ear

    Ear infection?

    • Nugs on 12/07/2018 - 06:37

      glue ear.

  • pjetson on 12/07/2018 - 10:07
    +1

    He even sent a copy of a note he got from the water company alerting him to very high water usage.

    When did the landlord get this? Before or after you reported the leak to him?

  • tjc589 on 12/07/2018 - 11:24
    +3

    Big thanks for thae feedback. Landlord is putting an application in to claim for the excess charges.

  • INFIDEL on 23/01/2024 - 11:33

    Thanks👍 Excess water charges can be a shock. Learnt from comments here!

    Update on refund for CONCEALED WATER LEAK in SE Qld. (Home owner)

    Discovered water leak near meter box on footpath.
    No leak visible. Especially with extreme rainfall.
    No loss of pressure or other signs of leak.

    Walking past, heard faint sound of rushing water! Not good!!
    Opened box - high water flow through box, disappearing into Telstra pit beside box.
    Turned water off!

    Dug small trench from meter box towards property boundary.
    Found leak was split in bend in plastic pipe 80mm from meter, under footpath.
    With water on & uncovered, it spurted 3m into air!!

    Contacted Urban Utilities. As expected - "not their problem" as on my side of meter. Call a plumber!💰

    Cut pipe at split with utility knife. Disconnected the <100mm pipe from meter connection.
    Took to Bunnings for pipe joiner. A cheap & easy solution.

    But excess water change was a worry!

    Lost 50kL in leak. Expecting about $200 charge!!
    Just 5L/min water loss = 50kL in a week.
    Leak was likely at higher flow only for days.

    3monthly meter read is next month. Fortunately spotted leak quickly, to minimise loss. Previous bills have been consistently low.

    Will keep a watch on meter. Old pipe may be susceptible to other leaks.

    What I learnt from this helpful post…

    CONCEALED WATER LEAK
    Lost water cost can be partly refunded after bill.

    Updated link:
    Urban Utilities has refund process
    Says requires plumber's bill to qualify… did DIY job.
    Called Urban Utilities. Only requires Statuary Declaration (JP signs) that repair was undertaken to fix concealed leak. Will include photos & Bunnings receipt.

    Qld Govt has (70 / 100%) refund of bulk water charges since 2023

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join