Maryland Renters: How to Handle a Water Bill Dispute

If you're renting in Maryland and find a mistake or overcharge on your water bill, you may be wondering what rights you have as a tenant and how to resolve these issues. Water bill disputes are common, and Maryland laws outline specific protections and options for renters. Understanding the process will help you avoid unnecessary stress, ensure fair billing, and, when needed, take the right steps to resolve disagreements with your landlord or water utility provider.

Who Is Responsible for the Water Bill in Maryland?

The responsibility for paying water bills in Maryland rental properties depends on your lease. Landlords must clearly state in the lease who pays for water services. If the lease is silent on this matter, landlords are generally responsible. However, in multi-unit buildings, landlords often install submeters or use a Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) to allocate water usage and costs among tenants.

• Check your written lease to confirm who pays for water and how you are billed
• If your lease says you pay for water, ask for access to usage records or bills
• Landlords must disclose billing methods and rates in your rental agreement¹

Knowing your billing setup is the first step in resolving any dispute.

Common Reasons for Water Bill Disputes

Water bill disputes can happen for several reasons. Some typical issues Maryland renters face include:

• Unusually high bills that may signal leaks or billing errors
• Unclear or unexplained billing formulas in RUBS or submetered properties
• Charges for services outside the lease agreement
• Faulty meters or incorrect meter readings
• Landlord refusing to provide a copy of the actual bill or meter information

It's important to review your bill and lease details carefully before raising your concern.

Your Options: Steps for Maryland Tenants with a Water Bill Dispute

If you suspect errors or unfair charges on your water bill, take these steps:

• Review Your Lease: Identify clauses about utilities, billing methods, and dispute procedures.
• Request Documentation: Ask your landlord for copies of the water bill or meter readings.
• Check Your Usage: Compare historical bills or ask the water provider for usage data if available.
• Document Everything: Keep all bills, correspondence, and any notes about discussions with your landlord.
• Contact the Water Utility: If billed directly, call the water utility (for example, Baltimore City Department of Public Works or WSSC Water) to verify billing and meter information.
• Dispute the Bill in Writing: Send a formal written dispute, describing the problem, and include copies of supporting documents.
• File a Complaint: If you can't resolve the dispute, you may file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or, if the dispute involves habitability, use the District Court of Maryland for landlord-tenant issues.

Key Forms for Water Bill Disputes in Maryland

• Consumer Complaint Form – Maryland Attorney General
  When to use: If you believe your landlord or utility provider is billing you unfairly for water services, fill out this form to have the Consumer Protection Division review your case.
  How to use: Include your lease, water bills, and any correspondence.
  Submit the Maryland Consumer Complaint Form online or download a printable version.
• Failure to Pay Rent – Complaint Form DC-CV-082
  When to use: If a landlord tries to evict you based on non-payment of a disputed water charge, this standard court form may be used.
  How to use: Tenants can respond to a landlord's claim with evidence the water bill is under dispute.
  Download Failure to Pay Rent (DC-CV-082)
• Request for Tenant's Remedies Form (DC-CV-083)
  When to use: If water service is disconnected due to landlord inaction, tenants may use this form to request court intervention for restoration or repairs.
  Download the Tenant's Remedies Form (DC-CV-083)

Always submit forms directly to the correct agency—never hand forms only to your landlord.

Official Agencies and the Law

The District Court of Maryland handles residential landlord-tenant cases. For water billing issues tied to your rental agreement, you may pursue a claim or defense in this court. For broader consumer complaints, the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division helps resolve utility billing disputes.

Maryland’s primary tenancy law is the Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8, which sets out tenant and landlord rights—including utility billing obligations, notice requirements, and remedies. Additional municipal rules may apply if you live within Baltimore or another city with utility regulations.

FAQ: Maryland Water Bill Disputes

1. Can my landlord charge me for water if the lease doesn’t mention it?
   If your lease is silent about water charges, the landlord is generally responsible for paying the bill. Maryland law requires utility responsibilities to be clearly stated in the lease.
2. What should I do if my water bill is much higher than normal?
   Start by checking your lease and bill. Request meter data from the landlord or utility, ask for an explanation, and put your complaint in writing for documentation.
3. Can my landlord evict me for disputing a water bill?
   Landlords cannot evict you solely for disputing a charge in good faith. However, if you withhold rent for a charge the lease requires, be prepared to show documentation of your dispute and any overcharges in court.
4. Where can I seek help if the landlord won’t respond to my complaint?
   Maryland renters can contact the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or file a case in District Court for unresolved billing or service issues.
5. What can I do if my water is shut off?
   If your water service is disconnected due to a billing dispute and it’s the landlord’s responsibility, use the Request for Tenant's Remedies form to ask the court to restore service.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Know your lease utility terms—billing responsibilities must be clearly stated
• Document disputes and request written explanations from your landlord or the utility
• Use state complaint forms or file with District Court if informal resolution fails

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• District Court of Maryland – Landlord & Tenant Resources
• Maryland Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division Complaint Portal
• Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 – Renters’ Rights and Utility Laws
• Housing Authority of Baltimore City
• WSSC Water Information for Tenants

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8: Landlord and Tenant
2. Failure to Pay Rent (DC-CV-082) - Maryland Judiciary
3. Request for Tenant's Remedies (DC-CV-083) - Maryland Judiciary
4. Maryland Attorney General: File a Consumer Complaint

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