Resolving Water Bill Disputes as a Massachusetts Tenant

Water billing disputes can be stressful for tenants. In Massachusetts, knowing your rights and the proper steps can help you resolve these issues fairly. This guide covers what renters need to know about water bills, how to challenge unexpected charges, and where to get official help—all based on current state law.

Understanding Water Bill Responsibility in Massachusetts

Before taking action, it’s important to confirm who is responsible for the water bill in your rental unit. In Massachusetts, landlords are typically required to pay for water unless:

• The rental has a separate water meter for your unit
• The landlord installs low-flow fixtures and obtains a certificate of compliance
• The lease clearly states you must pay for water

If these requirements aren’t met, your landlord cannot legally make you pay for water^[1].

Common Water Bill Disputes

• Being charged for water when your lease says it’s included in rent
• Unexpected, high, or unexplained water bills
• Bills for periods when you didn’t occupy the unit

If you notice a mistake or believe you’re being unfairly charged, Massachusetts law offers ways to dispute the charges.

What To Do If You Disagree with a Water Bill

Here are steps you can take if you believe your water bill is incorrect or you're being asked to pay unlawfully:

• Review your lease and any addendums to confirm water responsibility
• Request a written explanation and a breakdown of charges from your landlord
• Ask to see the Certificate of Compliance for submetering (if applicable)
• Keep copies of all correspondence and bills

How to Formally Dispute a Water Bill

If speaking with your landlord doesn't resolve the issue, you can:

• Contact your city or town’s Water Department to verify billing or request a meter check
• Send a written dispute using the Consumer Complaint Form to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR)
• If the issue relates to housing conditions (like leaks causing high bills), file a complaint with your local Board of Health

Official Forms: What You Need

• Consumer Complaint Form (no form number)
  When to use: If you've tried to resolve a billing issue with your landlord and the utility, but the dispute remains unresolved, submit this form to OCABR for help mediating the complaint.
  How to use: Fill out the Consumer Complaint Form online or print and mail it with supporting documentation. Example: A tenant who received a water bill for a period when they had already moved out includes move-out paperwork and the disputed bill.
• Board of Health Complaint Form (local forms vary)
  When to use: If you suspect a plumbing issue is causing inflated water bills due to leaks or code violations, file a complaint with your city/town Board of Health.
  How to use: Contact your local Board of Health (usually found on your city/town website) and file in person, by phone, or online. Example: A renter experiences an undetected plumbing leak but the landlord won’t address it.

If the Dispute Remains Unresolved

If you still can’t resolve the dispute:

• Consider mediation services through OCABR or your local housing authority
• If your landlord seeks unpaid water charges in court or deducts from your security deposit, you can raise your dispute before the Housing Court

The Massachusetts Housing Court handles residential tenancy disputes, including billing disagreements^[2].

Tip: Do not withhold rent to “offset” a disputed water bill unless you’ve received clear legal advice. Nonpayment of rent can lead to eviction.

Relevant Massachusetts Legislation

• Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186, Section 22 – Water Metering and Low-Flow Requirements
• Entire Massachusetts Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 186)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord make me pay for water in Massachusetts?
   Only if there is a separate meter for your unit, your lease states you must pay, and the landlord has a Certificate of Compliance on file.
2. What forms do I use to dispute a water bill?
   You can use the Consumer Complaint Form with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, and may also contact your local Board of Health for leaks or unsafe conditions.
3. Who do I contact if my water bill is unusually high?
   First, contact your landlord and local Water Department to check for errors. If the issue relates to leaks, your local Board of Health may help.
4. Does the Massachusetts Housing Court handle water bill disputes?
   Yes, especially if your landlord brings a claim for unpaid water charges, or if you raise the dispute in a related court case.
5. Can my landlord withhold my security deposit for an unpaid water bill?
   Only if the charges are lawful under your lease and Massachusetts law, and your landlord must follow all legal procedures for security deposits.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Attorney General’s Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights
• Massachusetts Housing Court – Find resources for mediation or legal action
• Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation – File a consumer complaint
• Contact your city or town Board of Health for local dispute forms and assistance

---

1. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 22 – Water Submetering
2. Massachusetts Housing Court

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