How Are Water Expenses Shared in an Apartment? Meter and Common Consumption

Water expenses in apartments are the most-debated sharing topic after heating. The question "The main meter and the sum of unit meters don\'t match, where does the difference come from?" is often asked. In this article, we explain how water expenses are shared in an apartment.

Two Types of Water Expenses

Water expenses in an apartment are basically divided into two:

1. In-unit (individual) water consumption: Consumption measured on each unit\'s own water meter. If there is a unit meter, each unit pays for the water it uses. This is the fairest method.

2. Common-area water consumption: Water in common uses such as garden watering, common-area cleaning, and boiler room. This is an expense not visible in individual meters, belonging to the entire building, and is shared as a common expense.

Main Meter–Unit Meter Difference (Water Loss)

This is the most confusing topic. The main meter read by the municipality and the sum of unit meters often do not match; the main meter shows more. The reasons for this difference:

• Common-area consumption (garden, cleaning)
• Meter sensitivity differences and aging
• Leaks or seepage
• Reading time differences

This "water loss" or "difference" is generally accepted as a common expense and distributed to units. The sharing method is determined according to the management plan or the board of unit owners\' decision.

Sharing Methods

Several methods are seen in practice for sharing water expenses:

• Meter-based (fairest): Each unit pays its own meter consumption, and the common/difference water is shared separately.
• Equal sharing: If there is no meter or if the management plan says so, the total water expense is divided equally among the units. This method may be unfair for units using less.
• Per-person: In some buildings, water is shared according to the number of people living in the unit.

Which method will be applied depends on the existence of meter infrastructure and the management plan/board decision.

Why Is the Meter System Important?

Without a per-unit meter, if a crowded unit using a lot of water and a single-person unit using little pay the same money, unfairness arises and disputes emerge. For this reason, the individual water meter system is the healthiest solution for both fairness and peace.

Summary

Apartment water expenses are divided into in-unit consumption (meter) and common-area consumption. The difference between the main meter and the sum of unit meters (water loss) is generally considered a common expense. The fairest method is meter-based sharing; if there is no meter, equal or per-person sharing is done. The method is determined by the management plan/board decision.

Distributing meter-based expenses such as water, heat, and others correctly for each unit requires regularly tracking meter readings. Apt Yönet\'s meter module distributes water expenses fairly and automatically by recording unit and common consumptions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the water bill divided in an apartment?

If there is a unit meter, each unit pays its own consumption; common-area and difference water are shared as common expenses.

Why don\'t the main meter and unit meters match?

Due to common-area consumption, meter differences, leaks, and reading time differences. This difference is generally considered a common expense.

Should water expenses be divided equally?

The fairest method is meter-based. If there is no meter, equal or per-person sharing can be done.

What determines the water sharing method?

Meter infrastructure and the management plan/board of unit owners\' decision.

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This content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.