utility bills
📖 What is utility bills? Meaning and definition
In New Zealand tenancy law, utility bills typically cover the costs associated with services like water rates, power, and gas that are consumed by the tenant at the rented address. These bills are separate from rent and are generally the tenant's responsibility to pay, as shown in various Tenancy Tribunal orders where tenants were directed to reimburse landlords for outstanding utility amounts.
The Tenancy Tribunal often includes utility bill amounts in orders for payment, alongside other costs like rent arrears or cleaning expenses. For example, if a landlord has paid for these services on behalf of a tenant, the Tribunal may order the tenant to repay these amounts to the landlord. This ensures that the party responsible for the consumption ultimately bears the cost.
Common utility bills seen in Tenancy Tribunal cases include water rates, electricity (power), and gas. Internet services, if bundled with power or other utilities, can also be considered a utility cost that a tenant may be ordered to pay. The specific utilities covered can vary depending on the property and the agreements in place, but the principle remains that the user pays for the services consumed.
📋 Requirements
- The utility service must have been consumed at the tenancy address.
- The bill must be for a service like water, power, or gas.
- The tenant is typically responsible for paying for the utilities they consume.
- The landlord may seek reimbursement from the tenant for utility bills they have paid on the tenant's behalf.
📝 Procedure
- Landlord identifies outstanding utility bills related to the tenancy.
- Landlord applies to the Tenancy Tribunal for an order of payment.
- The Tenancy Tribunal hears the application, often in the tenant's absence if they do not attend.
- The Tribunal issues an order for the tenant to pay the landlord the calculated amount, including utility bills.
💡 Examples
- A tenant was ordered to pay $234.21 for water rates as part of a larger sum owed to the landlord.
- A Tenancy Tribunal order included $111.16 for power and $40.56 for final water rates, to be paid by the tenant.
- A tenant was required to pay for Mercury gas bills for October and November, and Slingshot internet and power bills for October, November, and December.
- The total amount payable by a tenant to a landlord included specific charges for water rates, power, and gas.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What types of utility bills are tenants usually responsible for in New Zealand?
Tenants are typically responsible for utility bills such as water rates, electricity (power), and gas. In some cases, internet services, especially if bundled with other utilities, may also be included.
Can a landlord make me pay for utility bills after I've moved out?
Yes, if there are outstanding utility bills for services consumed during your tenancy, the landlord can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to recover these costs from you, even after you have vacated the property.
What happens if I don't pay my utility bills?
If you do not pay your utility bills, the utility provider may pursue payment directly. If the landlord has paid these bills on your behalf, they can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to order you to reimburse them for the outstanding amounts.
Are water rates always the tenant's responsibility?
Based on Tenancy Tribunal cases, water rates are often included in the amounts tenants are ordered to pay, indicating they are generally considered the tenant's responsibility for consumption during the tenancy.
How does the Tenancy Tribunal handle disputes over utility bills?
The Tenancy Tribunal will review the evidence presented by both the landlord and tenant regarding the utility bills. If it determines the tenant is responsible for the costs, it will issue an order for the tenant to pay the landlord the relevant amount.
What if my utility bill includes charges from before I moved in?
You are generally only responsible for utility consumption during your tenancy period. If a bill includes charges from before you moved in, you should raise this with your landlord and the utility provider. The Tenancy Tribunal would likely only order payment for the period you occupied the property.