The tenant/resident should check if a service is available, and connected, before signing a tenancy agreement. If a service is not connected they should find out the cost of connection.

The property manager/owner may decide that the utility is billed in their name, and will pass on service charges to the tenant/resident. How the amount is calculated and paid must be agreed in advance and included in the tenancy agreement.

A tenant/resident cannot be charged more than the amount charged by the authority supplying the service. Overcharging for services is an offence. The property manager/owner can provide a copy of the original billing invoice from the utility company to confirm the charges incurred.

From 30 September 2024, a tenant/resident is not required to pay for service charges if a property manager/owner fails to provide a copy of the document from the relevant service provider showing the charges within four weeks of receiving it to a tenant/resident. This applies to general tenancy, and rooming accommodation agreements and moveable dwellings.

If you require an internet connection for working from home, study or family purposes, a tenant/resident should check, before signing a tenancy agreement: 

• if a service is available 
• if fast internet speeds are required, check what internet speed are available to the property  

National Broadband Network (NBN) is not automatically available in all Queensland locations. Check what type of connection the property has: 

• is NBN already installed or
• an existing cable or ADSL connection exists only.

For information about connecting to NBN broadband, visit the NBN website.

Where the general connection already exists, the tenant is charged a general connection fee on the first bill from the internet/NBN provider.

New properties 

If the property is new or has never had the internet/NBN connected before, a property manager/owner is not required to supply an internet connection at the rental premises. A tenant/resident may only attach the internet/NBN service to the premises or room if: 

• a tenant/resident requests in writing seeking permission for connection
• the property manager/owner agrees.

If installation is agreed, this should be included in special terms or a separate agreement can be created. A new connection installation fee is usually charged and in some cases, a new development charge may also apply if the premises are in a ‘new area’. 

Discussion with the property manager/owner on who pays for the new connection and new development charge as an improvement to the property is also important. Any agreement for the owner to compensate the tenants/residents installation charges to the premises should be recorded in writing as a special term of the agreement.

The property manager/owner must have a good reason if they refuse to allow the internet to be connected to the premises. 

Rooming accommodation 

If the internet connection is provided for use, the provider may decide to pass on a service charge to the resident. Ask your provider if the internet is included in the rent paid for the rooms, or how the service charge is calculated from the one service provider’s bill for the property. This should be recorded in writing as a special term in your rooming accommodation agreement.

If the internet connection is supplied at the property, access information to WiFi should be provided to the resident in writing.

A tenant/resident is not required to pay for service charges if a property manager/owner fails to provide a copy of the document from the relevant service provider showing the charges within four weeks of receiving it to a tenant/resident. This applies to general tenancy, and rooming accommodation agreements and moveable dwellings. 

Water: a tenant may be charged for water if the property is individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle) and the property is water efficient. See water charging for more details.

Solar power: there are a number of payment options for properties with solar power. See solar power for more details.

The property owner pays for rates, property insurance and land tax. The tenant pays for contents (possessions) insurance.

The property owner/manager is not allowed to make a profit when on-supplying services to tenants, or to charge tenants for the cost of supplying or maintaining equipment, or for time and labour in reading meters.