How do you handle water and sewage when renting out a property?

Renting out a property means you need to keep track of several practical details, including how water and sewage should be managed. It is important to clearly define the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant, and to ensure that all costs and maintenance needs are handled correctly. In this article, we go through the most important things to consider regarding water and sewage when renting out a home.

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"Specifying water and sewage costs in the rental agreement reduces the risk of misunderstandings and creates a fair arrangement for both parties."

Under Swedish law, the landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is in good condition, which includes functioning water and sewage systems. This means the landlord must cover maintenance and repairs of these systems. However, the tenant is responsible for taking good care of the property and reporting any issues immediately, such as leaks or clogged drains. If damage occurs due to negligence from the tenant, the tenant may be held liable for the costs.

It is common for water and sewage costs to be included in the rent, but this is not a requirement. If the landlord chooses to have the tenant pay for their own water usage, this must be clearly stated in the rental agreement. The tenant should also be informed about how consumption is measured and billed. A clear agreement reduces the risk of misunderstandings and potential disputes.

According to the Swedish Water Services Act, the municipality is responsible for providing water and sewage services within its service area. The property owner – in this case, the landlord – is responsible for ensuring the property is connected to the municipal water and sewage system and that the installations inside the property meet regulatory standards. It is important to stay updated on local rules and guidelines, as these may vary between municipalities.

If you want to encourage water conservation and ensure that everyone pays for their actual usage, you can install water meters in each unit. This gives a fairer overview of each tenant’s water consumption and can promote more sustainable use. If you choose to install water meters, it is important that the rental agreement clearly explains how billing works and any additional costs that may apply.

In the event of urgent issues such as water leaks or blocked drains, it is important that the problem is resolved quickly to minimize damage. The tenant should contact the landlord immediately when such problems occur. The landlord is responsible for fixing the issue, but if the problem is caused by the tenant’s negligence, the tenant may be responsible for the repair costs.

By having clear agreements and good communication between landlord and tenant, many problems can be avoided. It is also important that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities regarding water and sewage to ensure a smooth and trouble-free rental experience.