Tiaki Wai water charges: what landlords and tenants need to know
Property owners across Wellington, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt are now receiving water services invoices from Tiaki Wai following the transfer of water services on 1 July 2026.
The change means property owners will receive a separate Tiaki Wai water services bill in addition to their council rates invoice. However, it's important to understand that the introduction of Tiaki Wai does not change the rules around who is responsible for paying drinking water, stormwater and wastewater charges under tenancy law.
Which costs each party pays
For most residential properties that are not water metered, water charges are based on fixed charges and/or the property's capital value (CV), depending on the local council area. These charges are the responsibility of the property owner and cannot be passed on to tenants.
Where a property has a water meter that was previously billed by the council, landlords may recover the cost of the water consumed by the tenant. However, only the metered water usage charge can be passed on. Charges for water supply infrastructure, wastewater and stormwater services remain the responsibility of the property owner.
In summary:
Landlords (property owners) pay for fixed water charges, water supply charges, wastewater charges and stormwater charges.
Tenants may pay metered water consumption charges, where a compliant water meter is installed and the charges relate to the tenant's use.
What to know about installing a water meter
Tiaki Wai has advised that residential water metering is planned for the future, but property owners are not currently encouraged to install their own meters.
This is because decisions have not yet been made about the type of meters that will be used as part of the future programme, and there is no guarantee that meters installed now will be compatible with future requirements. Any installation costs would also be met by the property owner, with no certainty of future savings.
For more information
Property owners can find information about Tiaki Wai billing arrangements, including guidance for body corporates and multi-unit developments, on the Tiaki Wai website or by calling 0800 TIAKI WAI (842 549).
Tiaki Wai billing arrangements – Tiaki Wai(external link)
Guidance for body corporate(external link)s – Tiaki Wai(external link)
Understanding the distinction between property-related water charges and tenant water usage charges can help avoid disputes and ensure both landlords and tenants meet their obligations under tenancy law. For information about rights and responsibilities for bills under tenancy law.
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