Just me - THANKYOU. You saved me a lot of typing there.

Limeslice - I am paying for my own life, like an adult. I don't think you're getting my point but that's ok with me! It's hard when the laws differ state to state. Our rent is 420 p.w. Water was always included in this amt, which is why it's so high.

Why are we talking about break and enters anyway? I'm confuzzled.

I do understand your point. Quite clearly.
And it is the same in WA - the bills are covered by the tenant, but the WATER bill is sent to the OWNER of the property, it is then forwarded to the tenant to be REIMBURSED. It used to be that water was paid by the OWNER.

What I am saying, is that moving forward, as you will now be liable for "a reasonable amount" of the water usage bill, that "a reasonable amount" SHOULD be ALL of the usage. It is nobody else's responsibility to pay for your showers, washing and garden. So when you asked how to come to that "reasonable" amount, I am suggesting to you that there should be no question - it is all your responsibility, regardless of laws and fittings and other BS - you use it, you pay it. I am not sure how in good conscience you could make an argument for the landlord to cover YOUR living expenses.

Whether or not you had to do it in the past is irrelevant.