Excellent 5* Rating
Business water for Landlords
As a landlord, water charges can be one of those ongoing costs that quietly eat into your returns, especially across multi-let or mixed-use properties. Whether you manage a single commercial unit, a block of rental properties, or a wider portfolio, understanding how business water works is essential to keeping costs predictable and under control.
From communal areas and shared facilities to vacant units and changing tenants, water usage in rented properties isn’t always straightforward. Without regular review, it’s easy for inefficiencies to creep in and costs to rise. This guide explains how business water charges apply to landlords, why bills can increase unexpectedly, and how comparing suppliers can help you secure better long-term value.
How business water rates work for landlords
Business water bills are made up of usage charges and standing charges. Usage charges are based on how much water is consumed across the property, which may include shared toilets, cleaning of communal areas, outdoor taps or water used by tenants, depending on how responsibility is set out in your lease.
For example, if a property uses 1,200 cubic metres of water per year at £1.20 per cubic metre, usage charges alone would come to £1,440. Wastewater charges usually apply to most of that water, increasing the total further.
Standing charges are fixed costs that cover the supply network, drainage, meter maintenance and administration. These charges usually apply even when a unit is vacant, which is why landlords can still receive water bills during void periods.
Reducing water costs across your properties
There are several practical steps landlords can take to reduce water spend without affecting tenants. Taking regular meter readings helps avoid estimated bills and makes it easier to spot unusual usage early.
Upgrading fixtures in communal areas can also make a difference. Low-flow taps, efficient toilets and modern fittings reduce water use without compromising functionality, particularly in high-traffic properties.
Clear agreements are just as important. Making sure leases clearly define who’s responsible for water charges can prevent disputes and unpaid bills. For landlords managing multiple sites, consolidating accounts can also make billing easier to manage.
Switching water suppliers as a landlord
For landlords with properties in England and Scotland, deregulation means you can switch water supplier business accounts and choose a retailer that better suits your needs. Many landlords are still on default contracts simply because they’ve never compared their options.
Switching suppliers can lead to lower unit rates, reduced standing charges and clearer billing, which is especially helpful when managing multiple properties. Some water suppliers for business also offer features like consolidated invoices and dedicated account support.
At The Business Water Shop, we help landlords compare water rates, carry out a full business water rates comparison and provide a tailored business water quote based on your properties and usage. We handle the switching process for you, keeping it simple.
Start saving on landlord water costs
Managing water across rental properties doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right supplier and a clearer view of how water is used across your properties, it’s easier to keep costs under control and avoid unexpected bills.
Many landlords don’t realise how much they could save simply by reviewing their current setup. Comparing water rates helps you check whether your tariff is still competitive and whether there are better options available. Even small improvements can make a noticeable difference over time.
By comparing business water suppliers, you can see what’s available for your properties and decide whether switching makes sense. Whether you manage one unit or a small portfolio, our team at The Business Water Shop will help you find the best commercial water rates and keep the process simple.
