Missouri Tenant Rights for Water Bill Disputes

If you rent a home or apartment in Missouri, you may sometimes disagree with your water bill—whether due to unexplained increases, shared meters, or billing mistakes. Understanding your rights about utility charges, including water, can help you respond confidently and protect your interests. This article explains what Missouri renters can do when facing a water bill dispute, including official forms, relevant legislation, action steps, and where to get help.

Who Is Responsible for the Water Bill?

In Missouri, whether a landlord or tenant pays for water depends on:

• Your rental agreement or lease
• What utilities the lease specifies as the tenant's responsibility
• Whether the water meter is individual (for your unit) or shared

Landlords must clearly state in the lease who pays for water. If your lease is unclear or doesn't mention water, Missouri law does not automatically require landlords to pay utility bills. You can review a sample Missouri lease and utility provision on the Missouri Attorney General's landlord-tenant guide.

Common Causes of Water Bill Disputes

Some reasons renters might challenge a water bill include:

• Charges for water usage before move-in or after move-out
• Errors in meter reading or calculations
• Leaks or plumbing issues causing high usage
• Inequitable division of water charges with other units (when sharing a meter)

Start by identifying the dispute's cause and gathering copies of your lease, past bills, and any landlord communications.

How to Dispute a Water Bill as a Missouri Tenant

If you believe a water bill is incorrect, Missouri renters should take these steps:

• Review your lease to confirm responsibility for water charges.
• Check for possible errors (dates, usage, meter reading, leaks).
• Contact your landlord in writing as soon as possible and keep records of all correspondence.

Official Form: "Tenant Utility Complaint Form"

• Form Name: Tenant Utility Complaint Form (no official number, provided by Missouri Attorney General)
• Use: For reporting disputes about utility bills—including water—to the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
• How to Use: Complete the form if your landlord fails to address your water billing concern. For example, if you were billed for a previous tenant's water usage and the landlord will not correct it, you can submit this form online or by mail.
• Download or file the Tenant Utility Complaint Form here

You may also file a complaint if the water utility company is responsible for the error and does not resolve it after you contact them directly. Use the Missouri Public Service Commission's complaint process if the provider is regulated by the state.

• Learn how to file a utility complaint with the Missouri Public Service Commission

Relevant State Tribunal

While Missouri does not have a state-level residential tenancy tribunal, disputes under rental agreements—including utility disputes—may be resolved in Missouri Circuit Courts (often small claims court for amounts under $5,000).

Key Missouri Tenant Legislation

Your protections and legal obligations as a Missouri tenant are found in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441: Landlord-Tenant Law.^[1] Utility issues may also involve local utility ordinances. The Missouri landlord-tenant law explains both landlord and tenant responsibilities for utilities and repairs.

What If My Landlord Threatens Eviction Over a Water Bill?

If a water bill dispute leads to a threat of eviction, know that non-payment of legitimate utilities can be grounds for eviction, but only if the lease requires you to pay them. Any eviction action must follow Missouri law and the correct notice process.

• Learn about Missouri eviction procedures from Missouri Courts

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Keep records of all bills, payment receipts, and written communications.
• If necessary, seek legal advice before withholding payment.
• Consider mediation through your local Circuit Court if a resolution cannot be reached.

1. Is my landlord allowed to charge me for water if it’s not in the lease?
   Generally, you are only responsible for paying for utilities, including water, if your rental agreement or lease specifically states so. Review your lease carefully.
2. Can I dispute a water bill if I think it’s a mistake?
   Yes. Start by contacting your landlord in writing with details about the error. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a Tenant Utility Complaint Form with the Attorney General.
3. How do I file a formal complaint about my water bill?
   Use the Tenant Utility Complaint Form for landlord issues, or the Missouri Public Service Commission complaint process for regulated water companies.
4. Who handles disputes between tenants and landlords in Missouri?
   Most disputes are addressed in the Missouri Circuit Courts, often in small claims if the amount is under $5,000.
5. What if I am threatened with eviction over a water bill?
   Consult your lease and seek legal help if needed. Missouri eviction laws require written notice, and you have the right to dispute unjust charges in court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
• Tenant Utility Complaint Form
• Missouri Public Service Commission: Utility Complaint Process
• Missouri Circuit Courts: Find Your Local Court

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441: Landlord-Tenant Law

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