Being a landlord in Queensland comes with a fair share of responsibilities, and one that often flies under the radar is ensuring your property meets water efficiency standards. If you’re charging tenants for water usage, it’s not just good practice—it’s the law.
At Plumbaround, we work with property owners across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and surrounding suburbs to help them meet compliance requirements the right way. Whether you’re managing a single investment property or a whole portfolio, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Water Efficiency Certificate?
A Water Efficiency Certificate is a document provided by a licensed plumber confirming that a rental property meets the standards set by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009.
It’s not a legal requirement to have the certificate on file, but it’s the best way to prove your property qualifies for full water usage charges. Without it, you may be limited in what you can recover from tenants, even if your fixtures seem water-efficient.
At Plumbaround, we inspect, assess, and certify properties to help landlords stay compliant and avoid disputes with tenants.
What Are the Minimum Standards in QLD?
To pass as water efficient, your property must meet the following criteria:
- Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute (excluding bath taps, laundry taps, and appliances).
- Shower heads must also not exceed 9 litres per minute.
- Toilets must be dual flush, using no more than 6.5 litres (full flush) and 3.5 litres (half flush), with an average flush volume of 4 litres.
It’s important that all fixtures meet the standard, not just a few. Even one non-compliant tap or shower head can void your ability to charge tenants for water usage.
Why Does It Matter for Landlords?
Water efficiency isn’t just about ticking boxes—it can directly affect your rental returns.
If your property isn’t compliant:
- You may be unable to charge tenants for water consumption, even if it’s written in the lease.
- You could face tenancy disputes that waste time, money, and relationships.
- You might be overlooking simple upgrades that improve the property’s appeal and sustainability.
With more tenants looking for eco-friendly homes, a certified water-efficient property is not only compliant—it’s competitive.
How Plumbaround Can Help
As experienced local plumbers, we understand the ins and outs of Queensland’s water efficiency rules. We offer:
- Water efficiency inspections
- Fixture upgrades to meet compliance
- On-the-spot certification for qualifying properties
We work with landlords, property and facility managers, body corporates, and real estate agencies across Brisbane to make compliance simple and stress-free.
Stay Compliant, Stay Covered—Book Your Water Efficiency Check Today
Don’t risk losing out on cost recovery or facing compliance issues. A quick inspection by Plumbaround can keep your investment property in top shape—and your tenant relationships running smoothly.
Contact us today to book a water efficiency check and see how easy it is to get certified.
