Connecticut Tenant Rights: How to Dispute a Water Bill

If you're renting a home or apartment in Connecticut and suddenly receive a water bill you believe is incorrect, you're not alone. Disputes over water bills can happen for various reasons—meter errors, leaks, or disagreements over who is responsible for payment. Thankfully, Connecticut law offers protections and clear actions for tenants who find themselves facing a disputed water bill. This article will walk you through your rights, options, and where to get official help, using only current government resources and the latest Connecticut laws.

Who Is Responsible for the Water Bill?

In Connecticut, the lease agreement usually spells out whether the landlord or the tenant pays for water and other utilities. If your lease is unclear or silent on this issue, the Connecticut General Statutes (see Landlord and Tenant statutes on maintenance and repairs) require landlords to maintain basic utilities. However, tenants must pay for utilities if their rental agreement clearly says so.^[1]

• Check your lease first. See who is named responsible for utility bills, including water.
• If you pay a flat rent that "includes utilities," you generally should not get a separate water bill.
• If you pay utilities separately, your landlord can't charge you more than the actual bill.

Common Reasons for Water Bill Disputes

• Sudden, unexplained increases in the amount due
• Incorrect readings caused by malfunctioning water meters
• Leaking pipes or fixtures the landlord failed to fix
• Bills addressed to the wrong party
• Improper charges for common areas (e.g., landlord tries to bill tenants for shared laundry room usage)

If you spot any of these issues, it's time to act quickly to protect your rights and avoid late fees or shutoffs.

Steps to Take When You Get a Disputed Water Bill

1. Review Your Lease and Water Bill

Examine both documents for clear mentions of water responsibility, billing cycles, and charges.

2. Contact Your Landlord in Writing

• Write a dated letter or email to your landlord describing the problem and include a copy of the disputed bill.
• Request a written explanation if the bill seems unusually high.
• Keep copies for your records.

3. Confirm Meter Readings and Inspect for Leaks

• Ask your landlord for the latest meter reading and to show you the meter, if safe and accessible.
• If you suspect leaks, request the landlord address them promptly, as required by Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-7 on landlord duties to maintain premises.^[2]

4. File a Complaint with Your Water Utility

Utility companies in Connecticut must clearly post contact information for billing disputes. Contact your water company’s Customer Service Department and file a dispute, following their process—which typically requires written documentation and copies of your bill and lease. Many utilities provide a Billing Dispute Form (specific name may vary by utility).

• Ask for an investigation and an "administrative review" if available.
• Do not withhold rent unless advised by legal counsel. This can lead to eviction proceedings.

5. Seek Help from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)

If your utility does not resolve the issue, you can submit a formal complaint to the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the official state board overseeing water utilities and consumer complaints.

How to file:

• Submit PURA’s "Utility Consumer Complaint Form." (Download the form)
• You should include your dispute details, copies of the water bill, your written communication with the landlord or utility, and your lease.

A practical example: If your water company continues to bill you even after you have moved out, submit a copy of your lease’s end date and your final bill with your PURA complaint form.

Connecticut's Official Tenancy Legislation

All renter and landlord rights come from the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant.^[3] This covers utility charges, maintenance, repairs, and how disputes must be handled. It is always the best reference for your rights on water bill disputes and utility responsibilities.

Relevant Official Forms

• Utility Consumer Complaint Form
  • When to use: If you cannot resolve your water bill dispute with your utility provider or landlord.
  • How to use: Fill out the form, attach copies of all key documents (bills, correspondence, lease), and submit to PURA by mail, email, or fax as outlined on the form.
  • Download from the official PURA site
• PURA Consumer Services Contact Information
  • Direct support for ongoing or urgent billing and utility disputes
  • Visit the official PURA Consumer Services page

FAQ: Water Bill Dispute Rights for Connecticut Tenants

1. Can my landlord charge me for water if my lease states utilities are "included"?
   Generally, no. If your lease says water is included with your rent, you should not pay a separate water bill. Always review your written agreement for details.
2. What can I do if my water bill seems unusually high?
   Start by contacting both your landlord and the water utility in writing. Request an explanation and ask to check the meter for errors or leaks. If unresolved, file a complaint with PURA.
3. Can my water be shut off for nonpayment of a disputed bill?
   Utilities in Connecticut cannot shut off water service for a residential tenant without notice. If the dispute is ongoing, PURA can place a hold on shutoff until the dispute is settled.
4. Who enforces tenant rights for water billing issues in Connecticut?
   The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) handles complaints and enforces consumer rights for utility billing, including water disputes.
5. Is there a legal deadline for disputing a water bill?
   Most utilities require you to file a dispute within 30-60 days of the date on the bill. Always check your utility’s policy and act quickly to avoid missed deadlines.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Always check your lease and clarify who pays the water bill before taking action.
• Communicate in writing with both landlord and utility when a bill looks wrong.
• If you can’t resolve it, PURA provides a powerful and impartial way to file complaints and protect your water service.

Stay informed, keep clear records, and use official Connecticut resources for support in any dispute over utility billing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) – The board responsible for utility billing and complaint resolution.
• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Housing Matters – Official court resources for landlord-tenant disputes, including potential court action.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center – Nonprofit support for renters facing utility disconnections or discrimination (not an official government agency, but an excellent resource).
• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Consumer Complaint Center

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1. See Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-13 (Landlord and Tenant: Repairs by Tenants)
2. See Connecticut General Statutes § 47a-7 (Landlord Obligations)
3. See Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 – Landlord and Tenant

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