All rental properties must include access to basic utilities such as water, electricity or gas. The landlord maintains the structures of existing services – for example wiring and pipes. They are responsible for maintaining any service or infrastructure provided as part of the tenancy agreement. Make sure any exclusions are written in the agreement.
Connection points must be kept in reasonable working order.
If connection points aren’t provided, the tenant can arrange for installation – once the landlord gives written permission. Confirming who is paying and if the connection will remain at the end of the tenancy before it is installed is a good protection.
The tenant must remove any connections they have added and return the property to a reasonable state. This is unless the landlord agrees that the connections can stay – make sure any agreement about what happens at the end of the tenancy is in writing.
Electricity and gas
The tenant needs to arrange for utilities to be put in their name for any existing gas and electricity connections. They are responsible for paying for supply and use charges.
Sometimes, the landlord will keep the bill in their name. But will either:
- include a set amount in the rental payment
- pass costs on to the tenant and give them a receipt when a payment is made.
Any costs passed on must be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement.
Solar energy
If solar panels are installed, the electricity bill can also stay in the landlord’s name. But, always state who is responsible for usage in the tenancy agreement. For example, ‘the tenant must pay for electricity use as charged on the bill’.
Any solar feed-in tariff is paid to the account holder for that property. If the tenant is the account holder, the tariff will be credited to their account.
Bottled gas
The landlord must pay for the supply or hire of the gas bottle if it is a connection at the property. The tenant pays the cost to fill the bottle with gas.
Get help to pay bills
Tenants on a low or fixed income could be eligible for a state government concession to help with their energy expenses.
Internet
The landlord isn’t obliged to provide connections to the internet. But they can’t refuse permission for a tenant to connect it without good reason. This permission needs to be in writing.
TV antenna
The landlord is responsible for maintaining an existing antenna in a reasonable condition – it needs to provide adequate reception throughout the tenancy.
If there isn't an antenna, tenants will need to arrange and pay for it once the landlord gives permission in writing. Landlords can’t refuse permission without good reason.
Telephone landline
Not all properties have a landline connected and the landlord is not obliged to provide one.
Existing connections
The tenant will need to arrange and pay for a general connection fee if they intend to use an existing landline.
New connections
The landlord must agree to new connections in writing. The tenant will need to arrange and pay for both the new line connection and the general connection fee if they require a landline.
Insurance
The landlord arranges insurance for the property. Some insurance companies offer packages specifically for landlords.
The tenant arranges contents insurance for their personal belongings. Tenants should check exactly what their insurance covers.
If a tenant causes damage to the property the landlord doesn’t have to make an insurance claim for the repair.
Contact CBS Tenancies
Email: ocbatenancyadvice@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
Post:
GPO Box 965
Adelaide SA 5001
