Common Utility Bills for Separate Units?

[ol' boy]

I really should know the answer for this, but i'll ask for advise anyway....

Just found the Mother In-Law a new unit to rent
It is a self contained "granny flat" behind a main house.

The property consists of a 3 Bedroom house + 1 Bedroom Granny Flat, in Victoria.
There is NO SEPARATE meters for Gas, Water or Electricity.

Unit was advertised at $240pw water included.
She has agreed and signed up.

I've just found out that Electricity Bill for the whole property is in a Company name, i guess its the Landlords company.

From my understanding, you can not on-sell or resell Electricity in Victoria
(i may be wrong, as i see some retirement units have "private" meters in each dwelling, and a common meter that is read by the utility company)

I know it is legal to include services in the rent, ie, water, power, gas
But it is illegal to portion a bill and on sell the charge to the tenant as an additional cost.

Not too mention the tenant has no legal control over the utility (if power goes out, bill isn't paid, etc)


Obviously outside requesting the service be separately metered

What is the legal stand point here?

Her concerns are:
Being charged for electricity in excess of her usage


I've read some Gov Websites and Tenant sites, but they seem to be vague on the subject.