WATER CHARGES AND LANDLORDS - WHAT
YOU NEED TO KNOW
As with all other utility bills,
water charges are provided to a
consumer i.e. the person using the
service or 'the customer'.
The customer is the occupier of the property.
Therefore a tenant should be made
aware that in addition to paying ESB
and heating bills it will also be their
responsibility to pay water charges.
However, a property owner will be
responsible for their property when a property
is vacant.
For general queries in relation to water charges, please contact Irish Water at
http:www.water.ie or call Irish Water on 1890 448 448.
For your convenience, we have set out below a number of frequently asked questions
that we have come across that may be of some help to you:-
 My Tenant has left my property without paying their water bill. Am I liable?
The Tenant is responsible for the payment of the bill and Irish Water will follow this
up in the standard way. However, you would be well advised to contact Irish Water
immediately upon a Tenant vacating your property to ensure that the change in
circumstances is recorded. You should also ensure that you are in a position to prove
that you were not the occupier for the period of the bill as if you cannot, it may be
presumed that you were the occupier and as such, you may be seen as liable to pay the
charges.
 What should I do if my property remains vacant for a period of time?
If your property is vacant you can apply for the 'unoccupied rate', details of which are
available from Irish Water (see contact details above). Once the property is let, you
should contact Irish Water immediately with the name of the tenant and the date of
commencement of the tenancy.
 Who is responsible for ensuring an application is completed and registered to
Irish Water?
The Customer is responsible i.e. the occupier and consumer of the water services is
responsible. As a property owner you are responsible for your own home and any
vacant properties that you own.
 What happens in relation to the annual fixed charge where a tenant moves out
after 9 months as happens in many student tenancies?
While the property is occupied, the tenant, as the consumer of the services is liable.
When the property is vacant, the owner / landlord is liable. Both the landlord and the
tenant should advise Irish Water of any change of status at the property.
 What happens if the bill is not paid?
Irish Water will pursue the customer for unpaid water charges. The customer is the
occupier of a property during the billing period.
 What if my Tenant does not register with Irish Water?
If your Tenant has not registered with Irish Water, Irish Water will contact the
property owner to ensure that the responsible party (i.e. the Tenant) receives the bill.
Irish Water has said it will announce details of this shortly.
 I did not receive an application pack?
If you are a consumer of public water services, you are liable for water service charges
and should contact Irish Water. For all queries relating to application packs please
call 1890 448 448