New NSW Water Efficiency Rules for 2025
Make sure your properties meet the new Water Efficiency Requirements
New Toilet Rules for Water Efficiency in NSW
Starting from March 23, 2025, rental properties in New South Wales (NSW) must comply with new water efficiency standards to help reduce water waste and lower household bills. These changes are part of the ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water usage and improve the quality of rental homes in the state.
Under the updated regulations, all toilets in rental properties must be dual-flush models with at least a three-star rating under the Commonwealth Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. This requirement is in addition to existing water efficiency measures.
Existing water efficiency measures
- Ensuring all taps and toilets are leak-free at the start of a tenancy and whenever upgrades or repairs are made
- Shower heads, internal cold water taps, and kitchen and bathroom mixer taps must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.
The new dual-flush requirement is a significant step towards reducing unnecessary water waste. Around 40% of household water is used in the bathroom, making it one of the easiest places to save water through efficiency measures.
Failure to comply
Landlords must meet these water efficiency standards to pass on water usage charges to tenants. If a rental property does not comply with the requirements, landlords cannot charge tenants for water usage. Water usage charges must be billed separately from rent, and landlords must provide a copy of the water bill or another form of evidence. Tenants should be given at least 21 days to pay, and charges must not exceed the amount billed by the water provider.