Water Efficiency

New South Wales (NSW) water efficiency legislation requires that rental properties have dual-flush toilets with a minimum 3-star Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating. These new requirements take effect on March 23, 2025. 

What does this mean for landlords and tenants?

• Landlords must ensure that rental properties meet the water efficiency standards to pass water usage charges on to tenants. 
• Landlords are responsible for covering the cost of water usage if a rental property doesn't meet the requirements. 
• Tenants are responsible for refilling water tanks and covering the cost of septic tank pump-outs. 

Other water efficiency requirements:

• Shower heads and taps must meet water efficiency standards. 
• There should be no leaking taps or toilets. 
• Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps for kitchen sinks and bathroom hand basins should have a maximum flow rate of 9 liters per minute. water compliance real estate water efficiency test