Who’s responsible for fixed water charges and waste water charges

For tenancies that commenced after September 2010, tenants may be charged for waste water, if the wastewater charge is exclusively attributable to the tenant's use. Some water suppliers now include calculations of waste water by reference to water supplied. 

Landlords can figure out whether the tenant is responsible for waste water charges ‘exclusively attributable’ to the tenant’s use by checking the calculation of waste water based on water consumption which is included by some water suppliers. 

However, the component of a waste water charge that is a fixed charge does not fall in the category of being ‘exclusively attributable’ to the tenant’s use. That fixed charge is the responsibility of the landlord. As a fixed charge it is an expense that is incurred whether or not the premises are occupied.