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Dividing Fences, Water Costs
<< Back to BlogDividing Fences - Responsibility as a fence owner
Dividing fences are a common cause of disputes between neighbours. People often disagree over who pays for the building and upkeep of the fence, or the type of fence needed, particularly when one neighbour wants a fence for a specific purpose, such as to keep a dog. Your legal rights concerning a fence between your neighbour’s and your land are covered by The Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011.
Fencing a rental property is seen as an asset to most owners, opening up your rental market to tenants with pets and children and increasing privacy this in turn will increase your market value for the rental property. If fencing raises problems in your rental property it is useful to know there are a number of resources to help if you are having trouble coming to an agreement with your neighbour. The Queensland Government website provides a number of resources including a Notice to contribute that can be given to neighbours. To access further information on the act and avoiding disputes go to www.qld.gov.au and search fencing disputes or www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search dividing fences.
Water - Tenant costs vs Landlord costs
The below table explains the costs that can be charged to a tenant when your property meets the water efficiency criteria and it is specified in the Tenancy Agreement.
| Charge as shown on water bill | Can tenant be charged? |
| State Bulk Water Charge | Yes, tenant can be charged |
| Water Usage Charges | Yes, tenant can be charged |
| Sewerage Usage Charge (may appear on the bill as fixed or variable) | No, tenant cannot be charged Sewerage is not a service charge as defined by the Act and cannot be passed onto the tenant. |
| Fixed Access Charges (including Water Access Charge and Sewerage Access Charge) | No, tenant cannot be charged. The lessor must pay all fixed charges for water supply. |