Water Efficiency Certificates

What Is a Water Efficiency Certificate?

A water efficiency certificate is the common name for a licensed plumber's written report confirming the outcome of a rental property's water efficiency inspection. It records whether the fixtures covered by the relevant state requirements meet the required performance standards at the time of inspection.

The report gives owners and agents useful evidence for their records. It does not, by itself, make every water charge payable by a tenant. The property owner or manager must also satisfy Queensland's other tenancy-law requirements.

What Our Water Efficiency Inspection Covers

• Flow-rate testing of the taps and showerheads covered by Queensland rules
• Checking toilet type, flush performance or WELS information as applicable
• Checking for visible leaking taps and toilets where required
• Identifying fixtures that need adjustment, repair or replacement
• Providing a written inspection result for the owner or managing agent

If a fixture fails, our plumbers can explain the most practical next step. Related work may include leaking tap repairs, toilet plumbing, shower repairs or investigation of an unexpectedly high water bill.

Queensland Water Efficiency Requirements

For rental properties in Brisbane, the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority states that a lessor may pass on full water consumption charges when all minimum criteria are met: the premises are individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle), the premises are water efficient, and the tenancy agreement states that the tenant must pay for water consumption.

Queensland's tap requirement excludes bathtub taps, outdoor garden taps and taps supplying appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Current details are available from the Queensland RTA water charging fact sheet.

What Queensland tenants can and cannot be charged

When the minimum criteria are satisfied, the RTA says a tenant may be charged the State Bulk Water Charge and water usage charges. Sewerage usage charges and fixed access charges, including water and sewerage access charges, cannot be passed on as water consumption charges.

The lessor must also follow the current rules for supplying evidence of the water charge and requesting payment. Owners and agents should check the RTA's current guidance rather than relying on a plumbing report as tenancy-law advice.

Water Efficiency Certificate Service Areas in Brisbane

We provide rental water efficiency inspections throughout Brisbane City and surrounding northside, southside, eastern and western suburbs, subject to appointment availability and property access.

How the Water Efficiency Certification Process Works

1. Book the property inspection. Tell us the Brisbane property address and access arrangements.
2. We assess the relevant fixtures. A licensed plumber performs the required flow, toilet and leak checks.
3. You receive a clear outcome. We explain which items pass and which need attention.
4. Approve any required work. We can quote eligible repairs or water-saving upgrades.
5. Keep the written report. Once the relevant standards are met, retain the report with the property's tenancy and fixture records.

Why Choose Jetset Plumbing?

• Licensed plumbing team servicing Brisbane and surrounding Queensland areas
• Practical experience working with landlords, agents and rental properties
• Clear written inspection results and straightforward recommendations
• Repairs and upgrades available when fixtures do not meet the required standard
• Fixed, upfront pricing for approved work
• Appointments available seven days a week

Water Efficiency Certificate FAQs

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Residential tenancy and water-charging rules can change. Owners, agents and tenants should confirm their obligations with the Queensland RTA or an appropriately qualified adviser.