Understanding Sub-Metering and Master Meter Rights in Maryland

If you rent a home or apartment in Maryland, understanding how you’re billed for utilities—like water and electricity—can help you avoid disputes and unnecessary costs. In Maryland, utility billing often uses either sub-metering or a master meter system. Knowing your rights and obligations is crucial whether your landlord bills you directly for your use (sub-metering) or divides a building’s bill among several apartments (master meter).

What Are Sub-Metering and Master Metering?

Utility charges can be calculated using one of two systems:

• Sub-Metering: Each rental unit has its own individual meter recording actual usage. Tenants pay for only the utilities they use.
• Master Metering: A single meter measures total utility use for the whole building. The landlord divides this bill among all units, often using unit size or number of tenants.

Landlords must follow Maryland law for how utilities are measured, billed, and disclosed to tenants.^[1]

Maryland Laws on Utility Billing

The Maryland Real Property Code §8-212.4 sets rules for utility sub-metering and allocation in rented residential properties. This code helps ensure charges are fair, complaint procedures are available, and landlords communicate clearly with tenants about billing methods.

Key Tenant Protections

• Landlords must disclose utility billing methods and likely costs in your lease.
• Billing for water/sewer must follow set formulas; unauthorized extra charges are not allowed.
• You have the right to see how your share is calculated and request copies of utility bills.
• Landlords cannot disconnect utilities to force payment (unless legally permitted).

What Should Be in Your Lease?

Maryland law requires leases to state:

• Whether your unit is sub-metered or master metered for utilities
• The exact method used to calculate your utility share
• A clear statement of the rates and the billing cycle
• Who is responsible for paying the utility provider if there is late or no payment

How to File a Utility Complaint in Maryland

If you believe you’ve been billed incorrectly or unfairly, follow these steps:

• Contact your landlord in writing, clearly explaining your concern about the utility bill.
• Request copies of all relevant bills or metering records.
• If unresolved, you can file a formal complaint with the Maryland Public Service Commission or your local county or city tenant-landlord agency.

The main tribunal for tenancy issues in Maryland is the Maryland District Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes.^[2]

Relevant Official Forms

• Complaint Form (DC-CV-001):
  Use this if you want to file a claim against your landlord for improper billing or other disputes. For example, if you have documentation that your water bill was miscalculated or you were not informed about sub-metering, you can submit this form to the Maryland District Court.
  Official DC-CV-001 Form (PDF)
• Public Service Commission Complaint:
  For billing or service disputes about regulated utilities, submit the online complaint form via the Maryland Public Service Commission.
  PSC Utility Complaint Form

Summary of Bills and Receipts

Always keep records of:

• Your lease (with utility billing terms)
• Monthly utility bills or sub-meter readings
• Any communication with your landlord about billing disputes

These can help you support your case if you need to involve official agencies or courts.

FAQ: Maryland Utility Billing and Tenant Rights

1. Can my landlord charge me extra fees in addition to my sub-metered utility bills?
   Maryland law allows landlords to bill only for the actual utility use plus a small administrative fee (for water/sewer, currently $3/month or 5% of the bill, whichever is less).^[1]
2. What if I suspect my portion of the master meter bill is being overcharged?
   Request written documentation of the calculation. If it doesn’t match your lease terms or seems unfair, contact your landlord first, then reach out to the Maryland Public Service Commission or District Court if unresolved.
3. Do I have to pay for utilities not clearly mentioned in my lease?
   No. Landlords must disclose in the lease what utilities you’re responsible for and how costs are calculated.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord threatens to shut off my utilities?
   Utility shutoffs are not allowed as retaliation or to force rent collection. You can contact the Maryland Public Service Commission and your local tenant board if this happens.
5. How do I see my actual sub-meter readings or original utility bills?
   Request copies in writing. The landlord must provide them upon your request, and you have the right to review the calculation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Always review your lease for specific utility billing terms (sub-metering or master meter method).
• Request written documentation if you believe you’ve been billed unfairly.
• You can file a complaint with the Maryland District Court or Public Service Commission for unresolved utility bill disputes.

Understanding your utility billing rights helps protect your finances and ensures transparent communication with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Maryland Public Service Commission (Utility Complaints)
• Maryland Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Rights
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Renter Help

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1. Maryland Real Property Code §8-212.4 – Utility Billing and Submetering Laws
2. Maryland District Court – Landlord-Tenant Disputes

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