Public housing water charges

Tenants of Homes NSW and the Aboriginal Housing Office are required to pay for their water usage. This charge is in addition to rent. Tenants do not pay for connection, sewerage and other charges not related to water usage.

Calculating water charges

If you are a public housing tenant you will pay either a ‘percentage water charge’ or an ‘actual water charge’. Your water usage is based on whether your property has a shared or separate water meter, and if we receive enough information from the local water authority.

If you live in a property that has a separate water meter, you will pay for the amount of water you use.

If you reside in a shared metered property, you will pay a percentage of your rent as a water usage charge. A maximum weekly charge will apply. The percentage rate and the maximum charge are reviewed each year.

Water usage allowance

We may grant a water usage allowance to tenants for their water usage if they, or some in their household:

• are on kidney dialysis, and/or
• have a health condition or disability which requires more water usage than usual, and/or
• have a large household (six or more people).

Contact the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322 to find out if you may be entitled to a water usage allowance.

When do I pay for my water charges?

Water usage charges must be paid weekly or fortnightly into your water usage account.

For more information about paying your water or making other payments, see payment options.

Reporting water leaks

You should immediately report water leaks by calling the Maintenance Hub on 1800 422 322, available 24/7. It is important to notify us of the leak to avoid paying higher usage charges.

Water leaks include a:

• dripping tap
• running toilet tank
• leaking showerhead, hot water service or outdoor tap.

We will only adjust higher water usage charges when they are due to:

• underground water leaks
• a delay in contractors fixing reported water leaks
• an incorrect meter read by the water authority.

Reviewing the decision

If you disagree with the decision we’ve made, talk to your client service officer. If you’re still not satisfied, you can ask to have the decision reviewed. For more information visit appeals and reviewing decisions.