Understanding Sub-Metering and Master Meter Laws for Maine Renters

If you rent in Maine, knowing how utilities like water, electricity, or gas are billed is important for budgeting and understanding your tenant rights. Utility billing can happen in different ways, mainly through sub-metering or a master meter. This guide explains the differences, what Maine law says, and what you can do if there's an issue.

Sub-Metering vs. Master Meter: What Do They Mean?

When you rent, your landlord may charge you for utilities in one of two common ways:

• Sub-metering: Each rental unit has its own meter. You pay for the utilities you use, based on your consumption.
• Master meter: There is one main meter for the whole building. The landlord either includes utilities in your rent or divides the total bill among all tenants, sometimes based on apartment size or number of occupants.

Understanding which method your landlord uses helps you know if your charges are fair and legal under Maine law.

Your Utility Rights as a Maine Renter

Landlords in Maine must follow laws about how they charge renters for utilities. These rules protect renters from unfair billing and ensure they receive adequate notice of how utilities are handled.

Key Protections and Requirements

• Disclosure: Your lease or rental agreement must state how utilities are billed and who is responsible for payment.
• Fair Billing: In sub-metered units, you are responsible only for your actual usage. With a master meter, bills must be divided fairly if tenants pay a share.
• No Overcharging: Landlords cannot charge extra fees beyond the actual utility cost except where allowed by law.
• Notice: If the utility payment arrangement changes, landlords must provide written notice before changing how utilities are billed.
• Right to Receipts: You can request a copy of the bills and how your share was calculated if utilities are not separately metered.

For more details, see the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Section 6024 (Utilities in Rental Units).^[1]

Common Issues and How to Respond

Sometimes, disagreements arise about high utility bills, sharing costs with neighbors, or unclear charges. Here is how to respond:

• Review your lease for details on utility billing.
• Request billing statements from your landlord to see how your charges are calculated.
• Ask questions in writing for a record of your requests.

• Contact the Maine Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division if you suspect your landlord is violating utility billing laws. They can provide guidance and help resolve disputes.
• File a complaint with the Maine District Court if issues are not resolved directly (see official form details below).

Relevant Forms for Utility Disputes in Maine

• Complaint (Small Claims) – Maine Judicial Branch Form CV-007
  When negotiations with your landlord do not resolve a dispute over utility charges or services, you can use the Complaint (Small Claims) form (CV-007) to start a small claims action in District Court.
  • Example: If your landlord withholds utility services you paid for, or overcharges you, complete CV-007 and file it at your local district court.

Which Tribunal Handles Residential Tenancies in Maine?

Residential tenancy issues in Maine are typically handled by the Maine District Courts, which oversee landlord-tenant disputes, including utility billing problems.^[2]

Consult the court or the Maine Office of the Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Rights for support or questions about your rights.

FAQs for Maine Renters on Utility Billing

1. Can my landlord shut off utilities if I haven't paid my rent in Maine?
   No, landlords cannot shut off your utilities to force rent payment. This is called a "constructive eviction" and is illegal under Maine law.
2. What should I do if I'm billed for utilities I didn't use?
   Request detailed billing records from your landlord. If the charges are unfair, put your concerns in writing and consider contacting the Maine District Court for dispute resolution.
3. Does Maine law require my landlord to tell me how utilities are billed?
   Yes, the landlord must disclose all utility billing arrangements in the lease or written agreement.
4. Am I responsible for paying utility bills if my unit isn't separately metered?
   You may be, but only if the method of billing is clearly explained in your lease and charges are calculated fairly among tenants.

Key Takeaways for Maine Renters

• Know if you have sub-metered or master-metered utilities — this affects your rights and obligations.
• Landlords must be transparent about utility billing in your lease and cannot charge unfairly.
• If you face utility billing disputes, official forms and state agencies are available to help resolve the issue.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maine District Courts: Handles landlord-tenant utility and rental disputes.
• Maine Office of the Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Rights: Advice, complaint process, and forms for renters.
• Maine Revised Statutes: Chapter 710 on Rental Property: Full laws on landlord and tenant obligations.
• Small Claims Complaint Form (CV-007): For starting court action over utility or billing disputes.

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1. Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14, Section 6024 – Utilities in Rental Units
2. Maine District Courts – Landlord-Tenant Cases

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