Information for Managing agents
Water remains connected when a property changes hands, there’s no need to open or close an account. We send the water bill to the property owner or the managing agent, who is responsible for payment.
You can collect water use and supply charges from tenants as part of their lease agreement, where this applies. More information about how water charges work in private rental properties is available on the sa.gov.au website.
To manage a property’s water account on behalf of an owner, a managing agent must first be added to the property owner’s account or authorised to act on their behalf.
Once authorised, you can:
- Request bill copies, make payments, or update where bills are sent.
- Record meter readings when tenants move in or out to ensure accurate charging.
- Switch to eBills for faster, paperless billing.
- Help tenants access payment assistance or concessions when needed.
Need to add or remove an agent?
Use our managing agent forms to add or remove a managing agent, authorise an agent for a strata or community corporation, or ask about another managing agent matter.
Extra support and information
To be added as an authorised managing agent, both you and the property owner need to complete our electronic 2-part managing agent authorisation form.
This process includes:
- Step 1: You submit a request using the online form.
- Step 2: The property owner receives an email with a secure link to review and approve your request using a digital signature.
Once both parts are completed:
- You’ll receive a confirmation email.
- We’ll process the request within five business days.
- You’ll be officially added to the account and able to manage bills, payments, meter readings, and water usage information.
Submitting both parts of the form makes the process faster and more secure for everyone.
Complete our Managing agent authorisation form
You can choose to receive bills electronically for properties you manage.
Options include:
- All managed properties (including those you may manage in the future)
- Only current properties you manage
- A single property at a time
Use our Switch to eBilling form to set your preferences.
If you or a tenant experiences a problem with a meter, water supply, low pressure, or a blocked drain, you can report it online using our Faults and Outages map.
The map also lets you check for current water outages.
For urgent matters such as sewage overflows, strong odours, flooding, or a loss of water service, please contact our Customer Care Centre on 1300 SA WATER (1300 729 283), available 24/7 for immediate assistance.
If a tenant is having difficulty paying, you can contact our Payment Assistance team to discuss options such as payment plans or extensions.
You can also support tenants who may be eligible for water rate reductions through the Department of Human Services. Visit DHS Concessions or call the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 (TTY 8226 6789) for more information.
Learn more on our Help paying my bill page.
If a leak, dripping tap, or toilet issue is reported, you should arrange for a licensed plumber to fix the problem promptly to avoid further damage or higher water use.
For further guidance on spotting leaks and preventing plumbing issues, see:
You can estimate water use for a property using the 'Usage calculator' on the sa.gov.au website, which applies SA Water prices.
We have practical resources you can share with your tenants to help them use water efficiently. Small changes can make a big difference to water usage, lower bills, reduce strain on the system, and support a sustainable water supply.
Your tenants can find advice for inside and outside the home, including:
- Spotting leaks early and fixing dripping taps or toilets.
- Choosing water-efficient fittings and appliances.
- Using less water when washing clothes, dishes, or showering.
- Watering gardens and lawns efficiently, especially during dry weather.
Explore more ways to save water and reduce costs on our Be Water Wise page.
When a property title is updated, the managing agent is automatically removed from the account.
To stay linked to the property, please contact us after a title change so we can set up your access again.
Please also make sure you’ve provided up‑to‑date contact details and confirmed who is responsible for the account going forward. If you don’t restore access, you may miss bills or lose account notifications, which can lead to unpaid charges or service delays.
To restore your access after a title change, use our Add a managing agent online form.
If you’re a new managing agent and need an SA Water agency number, you’ll need to provide your business information, including your Residential Letting Agent’s (RLA) number and ABN.
Once we receive this information, we can process your request and provide your new SA Water agency number.
To submit your details, use our Managing agent general enquiry online form and select the “Create a new agency number” option from the dropdown.
Need more help?
If your situation isn’t covered here, use our Managing Agent requests form and we’ll make sure your enquiry reaches the right team.