Water Efficiency Certification

Water Compliance Certificates for Rental Properties

A water compliance certificate is a written plumbing report that confirms whether the key fixtures in a rental property meet NSW water efficiency requirements.

For landlords and property managers, this documentation helps keep clear records on file and may be required when passing water usage charges on to tenants.

Mr Nice Plumbing can inspect your rental property and check the main water efficiency items, including water meters, showerheads, internal taps, toilets and visible leaks.

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Why Water Compliance Documentation Matters

In NSW, landlords can only ask tenants to pay water usage charges when certain conditions are met. These include the property being separately metered and the property meeting the required water efficiency standards.

A written report from a licensed plumber provides landlords and agents with practical evidence that the property has been checked and whether the fixtures meet the required standard.

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What We Check During the Inspection

Showerheads

Showerheads are checked to confirm they meet the required maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.

If a showerhead exceeds this flow rate, we can advise on replacement options and install a compliant showerhead where required.

Internal Taps

We check internal cold water taps and single mixer taps connected to kitchen sinks and bathroom hand basins.

These taps must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute to meet NSW rental water efficiency measures.

Where suitable, we may be able to install aerators or flow restrictors, or recommend replacement tapware if needed.

Toilets

Toilets are inspected for dual flush functionality, WELS rating and signs of leaks.

From 23 March 2025, toilets in NSW rental properties must have dual flush functionality and a minimum 3-star WELS rating if the landlord wants to pass water usage charges on to the tenant.

We also check for common toilet issues such as water running into the bowl, faulty inlet valves, worn outlet valves, cistern issues and leaking seals.

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Leaking Taps and Toilets

Visible leaks are checked as part of the inspection.

This includes dripping taps, leaking mixers, toilets running into the bowl, faulty cistern valves and other obvious water wastage issues.

Small leaks can increase water bills quickly, so identifying them early can help avoid unnecessary costs and tenant disputes.

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If Something Is Not Compliant

If a tap, showerhead or toilet does not meet the required standard, Mr Nice Plumbing can provide repair or replacement options to help bring the property into compliance.

Common repairs and upgrades include:

• Replacing non-compliant showerheads

• Installing suitable tap aerators

• Repairing leaking taps

• Repairing running toilets

• Replacing faulty cistern valves

• Upgrading older toilets

• Checking water meter movement for possible leaks​

 

Same-Visit Repairs Where Possible

Where possible, simple repairs can be completed during the same visit.

This depends on access, the condition of the fixture and whether the correct parts are available. If further work is required, we can provide clear recommendations and a quote before proceeding.

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Book a Water Compliance Inspection

Mr Nice Plumbing provides water compliance inspections for landlords, property managers and real estate agents across Hornsby and the Upper North Shore.

We can inspect the property, document the results and advise on any repairs required to help bring the property up to standard.