Multi-Residential Changes

As part of Simpler Pricing, we have removed the Multi-Residential account classification.

On Friday 1 October 2021, all ex-Multi-Residential accounts were reclassified as either Residential or Non-Residential accounts based on their predominant use.

Accounts reclassified as Residential will be billed as per our Residential tariffs, whereby fixed service charges apply on a per dwelling basis.

Accounts reclassified as Non-Residential will be billed as per our new, simpler Non-Residential tariffs, whereby fixed service charges apply on a meter-size basis.

THE OLD WAY

Multi-residential exists as an account classification for charging purposes. Multi-residential properties are billed as non-residential regardless of their predominant use. Each quarter, we issue the property owner a single bill for the entire property Charges apply on a per account basis in Brisbane, Somerset and Ipswich, while charges apply on a per lot basis in Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley. On occasion, a property owner may choose to install individual water meters for each dwelling/unit to allow water usage charges to be passed on to tenants in line with their individual Rental Tenancy Agreements. Urban Utilities has no visibility of these arrangements.

THE NEW, SIMPLER WAY (RESIDENTIAL)

Multi-residential is discontinued as an account classification. Each quarter, we issue the property owner a single bill for the entire property. As per our residential tariff structure, charges now apply on a per unit/dwelling basis in all regions. For example, a residential property with five units/dwellings will now incur five services charges. As a result, a property owner will likely experience an increase in services charges but a decrease in usage charges. On occasion, a property owner may choose to install individual water meters for each dwelling/unit to allow water usage charges to be passed on to tenants in line with their individual Rental Tenancy Agreements. Urban Utilities has no visibility of these arrangements.

THE NEW, SIMPLER WAY (NON-RESIDENTIAL)

Multi-residential is discontinued as an account classification. As per our new, simpler non-residential tariff structure, charges now apply as per the table above. As a result, most account holders will experience bill decrease, however a small number may experience a bill increase. On occasion, a property owner may choose to install individual water meters for each dwelling/unit to allow water usage charges to be passed on to tenants in line with their individual Rental Tenancy Agreements. Urban Utilities has no visibility of these arrangements.

Most ex-Multi-Residential accounts were reclassified as either Residential or Non-Residential on Friday 1 October 2021, however, there was a small number of accounts where it was difficult to determine predominant use. We’ll continue to work with them to determine an appropriate classification.