Bills in Australia electricity gas water and internet who pays is one of those topics that confused me when I first moved into a share house. I didn’t know which bills I was responsible for or how to split them. The information online didn’t explain what actually happens. I’ve dealt with bills in various situations, and I’ve learned who pays what and how to handle it.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve paid bills in share houses and studios, and I’ve learned what’s normal and what’s not. Some situations are straightforward. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what’s normal.
So here’s everything I know about bills in Australia and who pays what, based on what actually happens.
Electricity: Who Pays and How Much
Let me start with this, because electricity is usually the biggest bill.
Who pays: usually tenants pay electricity bills. In share houses, you split it among flatmates.
How much: varies by usage, but usually $50 to $150 per month per person in a share house, or $100 to $300 per month for a studio.
But here’s what I’ve learned: electricity is usually tenants’ responsibility. In share houses, split it among flatmates. Budget for it, and be aware of usage.
Gas: Who Pays and How Much
This is similar to electricity, and here’s what applies.
Who pays: usually tenants pay gas bills. In share houses, you split it among flatmates.
How much: varies by usage, but usually $30 to $100 per month per person in a share house, or $50 to $150 per month for a studio.
But here’s what I’ve learned: gas is usually tenants’ responsibility. In share houses, split it among flatmates. Budget for it, and be aware of usage.
Water: Who Pays and How Much
This is different, and here’s what applies.
Who pays: usually landlords pay water rates, but tenants pay water usage. In share houses, you split usage among flatmates.
How much: varies by usage, but usually $20 to $50 per month per person in a share house, or $30 to $80 per month for a studio.
But here’s what I’ve learned: water is usually split between landlords and tenants. Landlords pay rates, tenants pay usage. In share houses, split usage among flatmates.
Internet: Who Pays and How Much
This is important, because internet is essential.
Who pays: usually tenants pay internet bills. In share houses, you split it among flatmates.
How much: usually $50 to $100 per month total, split among flatmates. For a studio, usually $50 to $100 per month.
But here’s what I’ve learned: internet is usually tenants’ responsibility. In share houses, split it among flatmates. Budget for it, and choose a plan that suits your needs.
How to Split Bills: Practical Tips
This is practical, and here’s how to handle it.
Set up a system: decide how to split bills, and set up a system for paying them. Many share houses use apps or spreadsheets.
Pay on time: make sure everyone pays their share on time. Late payments can cause problems.
But here’s what I’ve learned: splitting bills requires a system. Set up a system for splitting and paying bills, and make sure everyone pays on time. It prevents problems.
What’s Included: What to Check
This is important, because some bills might be included in rent.
Check your lease: some properties include some bills in rent. Check what’s included.
Ask: if you’re unsure, ask the landlord or agent. Don’t assume.
But here’s what I’ve learned: some bills might be included. Check your lease, and ask if unsure. Don’t assume everything is separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay all bills?
Usually yes, except water rates (landlords usually pay those). Electricity, gas, water usage, and internet are usually tenants’ responsibility.
How do I split bills in a share house?
Split equally among flatmates, or based on usage if you can measure it. Set up a system, and make sure everyone pays on time.
What if someone doesn’t pay?
Talk to them about it. Be respectful, and explain why paying matters. If it continues, consider a house meeting or finding a new flatmate.
Can bills be included in rent?
Sometimes yes. Some properties include some bills in rent. Check your lease, and ask if unsure.
How much should I budget for bills?
Budget $100 to $300 per month for bills, depending on your situation. Share houses are usually cheaper per person. Studios cost more.
What if I use more electricity?
In share houses, you might split equally or based on usage. If you use more, you might pay more. Discuss with flatmates, and find a fair system.
Final Thoughts
Bills in Australia: electricity, gas, water usage, and internet are usually tenants’ responsibility. Water rates are usually landlords’ responsibility. In share houses, split bills among flatmates. Budget for bills, set up a system for splitting and paying, and make sure everyone pays on time.
Don’t ignore bills. They’re part of renting. Budget for them, set up a system for splitting and paying, and make sure everyone pays on time. It prevents problems and conflicts.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Budget for bills. They’re part of renting. Budget for electricity, gas, water, and internet, and set up a system for splitting and paying. It prevents problems.
If you’re still dealing with bills, understand who pays what, set up a system for splitting and paying, and make sure everyone pays on time. Budget for bills, and don’t ignore them. They’re part of renting.