Sub-Metering vs. Master Meter: Hawaii Tenant Utility Rights

If you rent a home or apartment in Hawaii, understanding how utilities like electricity, gas, or water are billed is essential for protecting your rights. In Hawaii, landlords use either sub-metering or master meters to manage utility charges in multi-unit buildings. This guide breaks down the differences, what your rights are, and what you should do if you have concerns about utility billing under current Hawaii law.

What Are Sub-Metering and Master Metering?

Utility billing can be set up in different ways, and your rights depend partly on the method your landlord uses. Here’s what each term means:

• Master Metering: The landlord receives a single utility bill for the entire building or property, then divides the total cost among tenants or includes it in the rent.
• Sub-Metering: Each rental unit has its own meter. Tenants pay for their individual usage, and the landlord sends bills based on the results of those meters.

Hawaii law allows both systems but sets different rules for each to ensure fair billing and prevent overcharging.

Hawaii Tenant Rights: Utilities and Billing

Your main protections as a renter regarding utility billing are set by the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and detailed in the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.^[1]

Key Protections If Utilities Are Included in Rent

• The rental agreement must state which utilities are included.
• The landlord cannot shut off utilities for nonpayment of rent.
• If utilities are included in your rent and the landlord fails to pay the bill, resulting in a shutoff, you may have rights to withhold rent or terminate the lease.

If You’re Billed Separately (Sub-Metering)

• Charges must be based on your unit’s real usage, with access to meter readings.
• Your lease must clearly state that you’re responsible for specific utilities.
• Fees or surcharges beyond actual costs are generally not allowed.

If you believe you are being overcharged, request meter reading documentation from your landlord. Keep records of all your bills and communication.

Official Hawaii Tenant Forms for Utility Issues

If you face utility shutoff, overbilling, or other disputes, Hawaii provides official resources and forms to help you respond.

• Notice of Defect (Utility or Service Interruption): If your landlord fails to provide agreed utility services, you may use a written notice to document the issue and request a fix within a set time. While there isn't a pre-made form, you should write a dated letter describing the issue, referencing your lease, and stating what you want remedied. Sample letters are provided in the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Handbook (see Appendix).
• Complaint to Landlord-Tenant Information Center: For unresolved issues, you may file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection’s Landlord-Tenant Information Center.

Example: If your landlord turns off your water or refuses to provide bills for your sub-metered electricity, write a "Notice of Defect," send it by certified mail, and keep a copy. If the issue is not resolved, contact the OCP for next steps.

Who Handles Disputes? Hawaii’s Official Tribunal

In Hawaii, unresolved rental disputes (including utility billing) can be addressed in the Hawaii District Court—the official body for landlord-tenant matters.

Disputing Utility Charges: Steps for Hawaii Renters

• Review your lease to confirm utility billing rules.
• Request meter readings and billing documentation if charges seem inaccurate.
• Submit a written "Notice of Defect" to document any problems.
• If the problem is unresolved, contact the Landlord-Tenant Information Center or begin the small claims process in District Court.

Timely action can help resolve many billing disputes before they escalate. You do not need a lawyer for most small claims or OCP assistance.

FAQ: Hawaii Renters’ Utility Billing Rights

1. What’s the difference between master metering and sub-metering for renters?
   Master metering means utilities are split by the landlord among all tenants, often included in rent. Sub-metering means you pay only for what your unit uses, based on an individual meter.
2. Does my landlord need to show me utility meter readings?
   Yes. If you are sub-metered, you have the right to request your meter data and see how your charges are calculated.
3. Can my landlord disconnect my utilities?
   No. Hawaii law prohibits landlords from shutting off utilities to force payment or as a penalty.
4. How do I report suspected overbilling or unfair utility charges?
   Start by giving written notice to your landlord. If the issue isn’t resolved, contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection’s Landlord-Tenant Information Center or pursue small claims court if needed.

Key Takeaways: Protecting Your Utility Rights in Hawaii

• Always check your lease to see how utilities are billed—your rights differ for master metering vs. sub-metering.
• Landlords cannot disconnect utilities or overcharge beyond actual usage.
• If you face an issue, act quickly with written documentation and get support from state agencies if needed.

Understanding your rights helps you prevent utility disputes and keep your home services reliable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Center (guidance, complaint forms)
• Hawaii District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division
• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (PDF)
• For urgent issues, contact the OCP Landlord-Tenant Information Center at (808) 586-2634 (Oahu)

---

1. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521)
2. Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information Center
3. Hawaii District Court – Landlord-Tenant Information

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations