What is a water balancing bill?

In YH Homes apartments, water billing is based on actual consumption. The advance water payment is approximately €20 per resident per month, calculated based on average usage. Once a year, a review checks whether the paid advance has been sufficient or if additional payment is needed. Any extra charges are credited in the next rent invoice. Water balancing bills are sent annually in April–May.

How is the water balancing bill calculated?

The bill includes meter readings from the apartment, which determine consumption and charges. The cubic meter price of water consists of the municipality’s water and wastewater fees as well as the cost of energy used for heating water. The advance payments made during the billing period are factored into the final calculation.

Why can the water balancing bill be unexpectedly high?

There have been cases where residents receive bills reaching hundreds or even over a thousand euros. This often happens when more people have lived in the apartment than reported to property management. As a result, the advance payments have been too low compared to actual usage. That's why it’s essential to report all residents to the landlord. Water usage is monitored per apartment, and the bill is based on actual consumption. It’s also important to report leaking fixtures to maintenance as soon as possible.

How do individual water meters affect consumption?

Individual water meters are installed during bathroom renovations, enabling more accurate tracking of water usage. In these buildings, consumption has dropped significantly—by 30 to 40 percent—as residents have become more aware and adjusted their habits accordingly.

How can I reduce water consumption?

Small everyday choices can help lower water usage and save on costs. Here are a few tips:

• Shorten shower time—reducing even a few minutes can make a big difference.
• Run full loads of laundry and dishes—this reduces how often machines need to be used.
• Reuse leftover water for houseplants instead of pouring it down the drain.
• Check for leaks—if a tap or toilet is dripping, request maintenance immediately, as ongoing leaks can increase water consumption without you noticing.