Can my landlord charge me more for utilities than what the provider billed?

Alaska law generally requires landlords to charge tenants only for the actual utility cost with no excessive markup. Always request a copy of the provider’s bill to verify.

Who do I contact if my water bill is unusually high but I can't access the meter?

First contact your landlord for a meter inspection or usage summary. If unresolved and billed by a provider, contact the utility company or the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

Is there a fee to file a utility complaint with the RCA?

No, it is free for Alaska residents to submit a consumer complaint to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

What if my landlord refuses to fix a suspected leak causing high bills?

Landlords must maintain rental properties. If repairs are not promptly made after a written request, contact state consumer protection or explore legal remedies.

How can I prove my utility bill is inflated?

Collect past bills for comparison, document meter readings, and request explanations from the utility. Use this documentation if you file a formal complaint.

Challenging a Utility Bill Dispute as a Renter in Alaska

Utilities, Services & Billing Alaska published June 21, 2025

If you're a renter in Alaska and notice a surprisingly high utility bill, you're not alone. Many tenants are unsure where to start when bills seem inaccurate or unexpectedly overinflated. This guide explains your rights as an Alaska renter, walks you through challenging suspicious utility bills, and provides the right resources—all in easy-to-understand language.

Your Rights: Alaska Utility Billing Basics

In Alaska, utility billing for renters is generally addressed in your lease or rental agreement. According to the Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act, if you pay utilities directly to a provider, you have the right to clear, accurate billing.^[1] Disputing an inflated bill may involve both your landlord and the utility company.

Common Reasons for High Utility Bills

Clerical or meter-reading errors
Defective meters or faulty equipment
Hidden water leaks or malfunctioning appliances
Incorrect billing to the wrong tenant or account
Changes in occupancy or seasonal rates

If you suspect an error, it’s important to act promptly to avoid late fees or service interruptions.

First Steps to Challenge an Overinflated Utility Bill

Check your lease: Determine if utilities are in your name or managed by your landlord.
Compare bills: Review your current bill against past statements for unusual jumps.
Contact the provider: Call the utility company to ask about the charges. Request a meter re-read or explanation for the spike.
Notify your landlord: Especially if utilities are included in rent or metered for the whole building.
Document everything: Keep records of calls, written inquiries, photos, and all bills.

How to File a Utility Bill Complaint in Alaska

If your efforts with the utility provider don’t resolve the issue, you can formalize your dispute. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) is the state authority that regulates public utilities and accepts consumer complaints.^[2]

Official Form: RCA Consumer Complaint

Form Name: Regulatory Commission of Alaska Consumer Complaint
When to Use: File this after trying to resolve the dispute directly with your utility provider. For example, if your electricity bill is double the usual amount and customer service cannot provide a valid explanation, you may submit this form to RCA.
How to Access: Visit the RCA Consumer Complaint portal to file online or download a printable form.

On the form, explain the problem, attach copies of bills, and describe what actions you’ve taken so far. RCA will contact the utility and may facilitate a resolution.

If utilities are billed to you by the landlord rather than by the provider, you may also have the right to mediation or small claims under Alaska's landlord-tenant laws.

Relevant Alaska Tenancy Law

The primary legislation governing your rights is the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, specifically sections regarding utility charges and landlord obligations.^[1]

What If the Utility Is in the Landlord’s Name?

Confirm what your lease says about utilities.
If overcharged, write to your landlord requesting clarification or billing breakdowns.
If not resolved, you may file a complaint through the Alaska Court System’s Small Claims process or consider mediation.

For utilities bundled with your rental payment, all dispute correspondence should be documented in writing.

Tips for Preventing Future Billing Problems

Read your meter monthly if accessible and note the numbers
Request itemized bills or usage summaries from your provider
Report faulty appliances or leaks quickly to your landlord
Keep detailed records of utility arrangements in your lease

FAQs: Challenging Utility Bills in Alaska

Can my landlord charge me more for utilities than what the provider billed?
Alaska law generally requires that any utility charges recouped by your landlord must be actual costs and not excessive markup. Check your lease—if you believe you are being overcharged, request a provider bill as proof and try to resolve it in writing.
Who do I contact if my water bill is unusually high but I can't access the meter?
Contact your landlord first to request a meter inspection or usage summary. If the bill seems wrong and is issued directly by a utility, contact the provider and consider filing a complaint with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
What if my landlord refuses to help with a suspected leak causing high utility bills?
Under Alaska law, landlords must keep premises fit and habitable, including fixing leaks. Send a written maintenance request. If the issue isn’t fixed promptly, you can contact the Alaska Department of Law Consumer Protection Unit or explore legal remedies.
Is there a fee to file a utility complaint with the RCA?
No, there is no charge for Alaska residents to submit a consumer complaint about a public utility to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
How can I prove my utility bill is inflated?
Gather past bills for comparison, document meter readings if possible, and request a written explanation from the provider. If needed, attach this documentation to your formal complaint.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alaska Renters

Verify utility charges by checking lease terms and requesting detailed bills
Contact your utility provider and landlord at the first sign of unexpected charges
Use official resources, like the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, if you need to escalate your dispute

Addressing billing concerns early can help avoid further complications or service interruptions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Regulatory Commission of Alaska – File a Utility Complaint
Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act (Official Guide)
Alaska Department of Law Consumer Protection Unit (for landlord disputes or deceptive practices)
Alaska Courts: Landlord/Tenant Self-Help