Can my landlord mark up utility charges in Georgia?

No. Landlords may only charge tenants the actual cost of utilities plus any reasonable, disclosed administrative fee. They cannot make a profit from utility billing.

How do I file a complaint about my utility bill?

For regulated public utilities, use the Georgia Public Service Commission Consumer Complaint Form. For lease disputes, you may file in Magistrate Court.

Do I have to pay utilities if my unit is individually sub-metered?

Yes. Tenants in sub-metered units are responsible for paying for their actual usage as measured by their separate meter, as stated in the lease.

Where can I see the law about utility billing for renters in Georgia?

You can review the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Statutes under the Georgia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for detailed rules.

Who do I contact for urgent help with my landlord over utilities?

Contact the Georgia Public Service Commission for regulated utility disputes or Georgia Legal Aid for legal support.

Sub-Metering and Master Meter Rights for Georgia Renters

Utilities, Services & Billing Georgia published June 21, 2025

If you're a renter in Georgia, understanding how your utility bills are measured, calculated, and charged is important. In Georgia, properties may use either sub-metering (where each unit measures its own utility usage) or a master meter (one meter for the entire building). Your rights and obligations as a tenant can vary depending on which system your landlord uses. This article explains these systems, lays out your legal protections, and guides you through practical steps if you have issues with your utilities.

Understanding Sub-Metering and Master Meter Systems

Utility billing systems differ between buildings, and this directly affects how tenants are billed for gas, water, and electricity. Here’s what each setup means:

Sub-Metering: Each rental unit has its own separate meter, which tracks the individual unit’s usage. Tenants are usually billed directly by their landlord or a third-party billing company based on their specific usage.
Master Meter: The property has one main meter. The landlord receives a single utility bill for the entire property and decides how to divide the costs among the tenants. This could be based on unit size, number of occupants, or other factors.

Your Rights as a Georgia Renter

Under Georgia law, landlords can choose either sub-metering or master metering. However, they must follow clear billing practices and provide transparency in utility charges. Your rights include:

Notice of Utility Arrangement: Landlords must disclose how utilities will be billed in your lease agreement.
Full Disclosure: Tenants can request a copy of the master bill from the utility provider for review.
No Excess Charges: Landlords may only charge tenants for actual costs of utilities and not profit from selling utilities. Administrative fees (if any) should be reasonable and disclosed in the lease.

For specifics, renters can review the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Statutes.^[1]

How Are Utility Billing Disputes Handled?

If you believe there has been a billing error or an unfair charge, you can raise the issue with your landlord. Should the dispute not be resolved, tenants can file a complaint with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) if the issue involves a regulated utility service.

The PSC Consumer Complaint Form is used to officially report utility disputes involving electric, natural gas, or certain water companies.
Example: If your sub-metered electric bill appears much higher than normal, you can request an explanation and, if unresolved, use the PSC complaint process.

For matters relating to lease terms or landlord conduct, the Magistrate Court of Georgia is the tribunal that handles landlord-tenant disputes in the state.^[2]

What to Do If You Have Utility Billing Problems

You are encouraged to keep detailed records of all bills, communications, and payments. Here are practical steps if you're facing utility billing issues:

Request a copy of the master meter bill or your sub-meter data from your landlord.
Raise your concerns in writing (email is recommended for recordkeeping).
If not resolved, file a formal complaint with the Georgia PSC (for regulated utilities).
Consult the Georgia Legal Aid resource for support with broader tenancy issues.

Forms and Official Resources for Renters

PSC Consumer Complaint Form: Use this online form if you have a dispute about regulated utility billing. Example: If your landlord will not explain a charge for electricity usage in a sub-metered unit, you can file this form with the PSC.
No unique number is assigned to this form.
Filing in Magistrate Court: If your dispute is about the lease, unlawful billing, or other tenancy-related issues, you can file a case in your local Magistrate Court. This may require a Statement of Claim form (varies by county) available on your local court’s website.

For links to local court filing forms, visit the Georgia Court Directory.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Your lease must disclose how utilities are billed.
You have the right to see the original utility billing if you request it.
If you think a charge is unfair, you can file a complaint or seek help from legal aid or your local court.

Tip: Keep copies of all communications with your landlord and document your utility usage. This can make resolving disputes much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord mark up utility charges in Georgia?
No. Georgia law requires that landlords only pass along the actual cost of utilities and any reasonable, disclosed administrative fees. They cannot profit from utility billing.
How do I file a complaint about my utility bill?
If the dispute involves a regulated public utility, use the Georgia Public Service Commission Consumer Complaint Form. For lease-related concerns, you may file in Magistrate Court.
Do I have to pay utilities if my unit is individually sub-metered?
Yes. If your lease states that utilities are sub-metered, you're responsible for paying your portion as shown by your own meter readings.
Where can I see the law about utility billing for renters in Georgia?
You can review the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Statutes for relevant rules on residential utility billing.
Who do I contact for urgent help with my landlord over utilities?
For regulated utilities, contact the Georgia Public Service Commission. For other issues, seek help from Georgia Legal Aid.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Know your utility billing setup—sub-metered or master meter—by reviewing your lease. Georgia law gives renters the right to transparent billing and access to official utility bills. If you think charges are unfair, keep records and use official complaint processes to protect your rights.

Always confirm in writing how utilities are billed.
Retain any documents related to billing.
Take prompt action (request info, file complaints) if problems arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Georgia Public Service Commission: Consumer Corner – File utility complaints or get questions answered about regulated electric and gas service.
Georgia Legal Aid – Legal support and resources for tenants statewide.
Magistrate Court of Georgia – The official tribunal where residential tenancy cases, including utility billing disputes, can be filed.
Georgia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Georgia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. §44-7-1 et seq.)
Magistrate Court of Georgia: Residential Tenancy Tribunal