Sub-Metering vs. Master Meter: Tenant Utility Rights in DC

If you rent a home or apartment in the District of Columbia, it’s important to understand how your utilities are billed and how this affects your rights as a tenant. Whether your utilities are charged through sub-metering or a master meter system can change your monthly costs—and your protections under DC law.

What’s the Difference Between Sub-Metering and Master Metering?

Knowing how your utilities are measured is essential. Here’s how these two systems typically work in DC:

• Master Meter: The entire building shares one utility meter. The landlord pays the total bill and usually passes costs to tenants, either as part of rent or a separate fee.
• Sub-Metering: Each rental unit has its own meter for utilities (like water, gas, or electricity). You’re billed for what your unit uses, not what your neighbors consume.

DC law has different rules for each system, and landlords must follow specific disclosure and billing requirements.

DC Laws About Utility Charges for Renters

Landlords must follow the District of Columbia Residential Real Property Utility Disclosure Act, plus relevant sections of the DC Municipal Regulations. These set:

• When a landlord can bill you for utilities separately
• Written notice and disclosure requirements at lease signing and renewal
• Rules for both master-metered and sub-metered buildings

For electric and gas, only properties built after 1978 or substantially renovated since may use sub-meters for individual tenant billing, unless the Public Service Commission grants a waiver. Water sub-metering has its own regulations from DC Water and local law.

Requirements for Sub-Metering in DC

• Landlords must disclose how you will be billed before you sign the lease.
• Billing statements have to show meter readings and calculation methods.
• Tenants have a right to request verification of meter accuracy and billing records.
• You cannot be charged more than your actual usage plus legally-allowed service fees.

This protects tenants from being overcharged or unfairly assessed costs for others’ utility use.

Master Meter: What If Utilities Are Not Sub-Metered?

If your apartment is billed under a master meter, review your lease for specifics about utility charges. DC law prohibits landlords from charging more than the actual bill or estimating costs without records. Landlords are also required to provide copies of utility bills upon tenant request. Renters in master-metered buildings may request documentation or file a complaint if they believe charges are incorrect.

Your Rights and What to Do if There Is a Problem

If you think your landlord is charging you incorrectly for utilities, you have several protections under DC law. You may:

• Request a copy of the lease and billing records
• Request verification of meter readings or billing calculations
• File a formal complaint with the Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) within the DC Department of Housing and Community Development

Relevant Forms and Where to Find Them

• Tenant Petition Form (RAD Form 1)
  This form is used to file official complaints about rent, utilities, or other housing issues with the Rental Accommodations Division. For example, if your landlord billed you for utilities without providing required disclosures, file a Tenant Petition to request an official review and remedy.
  Download RAD Form 1 here.
• RAD Complaint Form
  If you feel your rights as a tenant have been violated concerning utility billing, this form lets you start a formal investigation through RAD.
  Get the RAD Complaint Form here.

These forms must be submitted to the DC Rental Accommodations Division, which handles tenancy disputes and utility complaints.

Key Tenant Protections under DC Utility Laws

Here’s a summary of your core rights under local law and regulation:

• Right to accurate billing based on your rental agreement
• Access to all records supporting utility charges
• Protection from being billed more than your actual usage on sub-metering
• Right to dispute and formally appeal charges

For the main legal details, see the DC Residential Real Property Utility Disclosure Act and 14 DCMR Chapter 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my landlord have to give me copies of utility bills in DC?
   Yes. As a DC renter, you may request to see bills and meter readings for any utilities your landlord charges you for, and the landlord must provide these records.
2. Is sub-metering legal in every DC apartment?
   No. Only certain newer or substantially renovated buildings may use sub-metering. There are strict rules and required disclosures to ensure fair billing.
3. What can I do if I think my utility bill is wrong?
   You can ask for meter and billing verification. If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint using the Rental Accommodations Division Tenant Petition Form.
4. Can my landlord disconnect my utilities for non-payment?
   Landlords cannot disconnect essential utilities as a way to force payment or evict a tenant. Only the utility company can disconnect service following official notice and procedures.

Conclusion: What DC Renters Should Remember

• DC law gives you strong rights on how utilities are billed in master or sub-metered apartments.
• Always receive clear, written disclosure of billing practices and keep records.
• You have formal options—including complaints and petitions—if you feel your landlord is not following the law.

Being informed helps you avoid utility billing issues and protect your rights as a tenant under District of Columbia law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rental Accommodations Division (RAD) — Handles complaints, forms, and tenant petitions in DC.
• Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) — Offers guides, legal resources, and support for renters facing utility or billing disputes.
• For legal language and your rights, read the DC Residential Real Property Utility Disclosure Act and 14 DCMR Chapter 3.

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1. See: DC Department of Housing and Community Development – Rental Accommodations Division.
2. DC Code: Residential Real Property Utility Disclosure Act.
3. DC Regulations: 14 DCMR Chapter 3 – Rent and Housing Code.
4. DC Tenant Petition and Complaint Forms: RAD Form 1 (Tenant Petition) and RAD Complaint Form.

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