26 May 2016

Watercare simplifies billing for landlords and tenants

Landlords and property managers in the Auckland region have until 30 June to sign up for a new payment option offered by Watercare that promises to reduce their rental property administration.

The new payment option gives landlords and property managers the opportunity to pay their wastewater fixed charge upfront each year in July. This will mean their monthly bill for the rest of the year will show usage charges only which they can pass on to tenants to pay.

The change comes following conversations between Watercare and the Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) about how to simplify billing and make charges more transparent for both landlords and tenants.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, landlords are responsible for fixed charges and tenants are responsible for usage (volumetric) charges. Until now, both fixed and usage charges have appeared on the same monthly bill, which means landlords and tenants have been splitting the payments.

Watercare chief executive Raveen Jaduram says it is exciting to offer a solution that will assist so many Aucklanders.

“In Auckland, around 40 per cent of people live in tenanted properties – so the impact of this improvement will be widespread,” says Mr Jaduram.

“After becoming Auckland’s integrated water utility in 2010, our early focus was on ensuring our customers received high-quality water and wastewater services at standardised prices. Having made significant in-roads in those areas, we are driving change through the business to ensure we are responsive to our customers’ needs and easy to engage with.”

“Working with APIA and developing this new payment option for landlords and property managers is one of a number of customer-centric changes we are delivering.”

APIA executive officer Andrew King says the change is a good outcome for all concerned and urges all eligible landlords to participate.

“Under the current system, some tenants inadvertently end up paying more than they should. They will benefit from clarity in knowing exactly how much they are required to pay, while landlords and property managers will benefit from a reduction in the amount of bookkeeping required of them.”

Landlords and property managers interested in the new payment option must register before 30 June.

Opting in to this payment method will give Watercare authority to talk directly to tenants about their bills. Landlords and property managers will continue to receive the bill as they remain ultimately responsible for the account.

For more information and to register visit www.watercare.co.nz.

* The Auckland Property Investors' Association (APIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation developed to provide professional development and networking opportunities for its members – property investors and other professionals involved in the property market. APIA was established in 1994 and is affiliated with the NZ Property Investors’ Federations (NZPIF), the umbrella body for 20 local property investors’ associations (PIA) throughout New Zealand. Its aim is simple – to help you make the most of owners' property investments. As well as the many benefits offered to members to help them prosper, APIA also acts as an independent voice for the industry and a lobby group to local government when needed.

** Watercare supplies 326 million litres of safe, reliable drinking water to 1.4 million people across the Auckland region, and treats 400 million litres of Auckland’s wastewater every day. Visit www.watercare.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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