Nebraska Tenant Rights: Sub-Metering and Master Meter Billing

If you're renting in Nebraska, understanding whether utilities like water, gas, or electricity are billed through sub-metering or a master meter system can impact what you pay—and the rights you have. Knowing how sub-metering and master meter billing work, and what Nebraska law says about landlord and renter responsibilities, can help you spot billing issues and resolve utility disputes with confidence.

Understanding Sub-Metering and Master Meter Utility Billing

In rental communities, utilities are often managed in two main ways:

• Master Meter: The landlord or property manages utilities through one main meter for the whole building. Tenants may pay a set amount or a share based on apartment size or occupancy.
• Sub-Metering: Each rental unit has its own meter, so tenants pay for their own usage based on direct readings.

The type of billing method can affect how utility costs are calculated and what options you have for resolving problems. Nebraska law has rules to ensure billing is accurate and renters are protected.

Nebraska Laws on Utility Billing: What Renters Should Know

Utility billing practices in Nebraska rental properties are mainly covered by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] This legislation requires landlords to clearly state in the rental agreement who is responsible for utilities and how charges will be determined. If utilities are not included in the rent, the landlord must specify whether charges are for a master-metered building or based on sub-metering.

Key Renter Rights for Utility Billing in Nebraska

• Disclosure: You must be told at lease signing whether you’ll be billed through sub-metering or a master meter, and how your share is calculated.
• Access to Records: You have the right to request a breakdown or explanation for any utility bill you receive from your landlord.^[2]
• Accuracy: Charges must be based on actual usage (for sub-metering) or the agreed formula (for master metering). Landlords cannot overcharge or charge for services not received.
• Notice Before Shut-off: Landlords cannot disconnect essential utilities to force a tenant to move or for other reasons unless lawfully permitted and with proper notice.
• Right to Repair and Deduct (in certain cases): If the landlord's failure to pay utility bills leads to a shut-off, Nebraska law gives you options to address the situation. See action steps below.

Knowing these rights can help you recognize improper charges and act quickly if you experience utility issues as a Nebraska renter.

Common Issues and Practical Steps for Tenants

Utility billing disputes may arise, especially when there is confusion over how charges are calculated or service interruptions occur. Here's what to do if you have a concern:

• Request a copy of your billing records or meter readings from your landlord.
• Review your lease for details on utility responsibilities and calculation methods.
• If you think you are being overcharged, communicate your concerns in writing and ask for clarification.
• For unresolved disputes, you may file a complaint with the Nebraska Public Service Commission (for utility billing)—or contact the local small claims court for monetary disputes.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint/Inquiry Form – Nebraska Public Service Commission
  Use if you suspect incorrectly calculated utility charges, service issues, or improper shut-off under master meter or sub-meter setups. Fill out the Utility Complaint Form (downloadable PDF), attach your supporting documents (like rental agreement, bills), and submit to the Commission via email or mail.
  Example: If your landlord bills you for water under a master meter formula you cannot verify, file this form for official review.
• Tenant's 14-Day Notice of Termination for Noncompliance
  If your landlord fails to provide utilities as required (such as not paying the utility provider, resulting in a shut-off), Nebraska law (Section 76-1425) allows you to use a notice template. Clearly state the violation and your intent to terminate if not resolved within 14 days. 14-Day Notice of Intent to Terminate PDF (Attorney General)
  Example: Use if a landlord’s nonpayment on a master meter utility gets your electricity shut off.

You can find more information or download forms from the Nebraska Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Resources page.

Which Government Body Handles Tenancy Utility Disputes?

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Division oversees the main tenant-landlord matters, including utilities. Utility billing disputes may also be reviewed by the Nebraska Public Service Commission if involving utilities companies.

For tenants needing to enforce legal rights or recover monetary damages, the appropriate venue is usually your local County Court or Small Claims Court in Nebraska.

FAQ: Sub-Metering vs. Master Meter in Nebraska

1. Can my landlord charge me more than my actual usage if my apartment is sub-metered?
   Landlords can only charge for your actual recorded usage plus allowable service fees if your apartment uses a sub-meter. You are entitled to see meter readings and billing breakdowns.
2. What happens if my utilities are shut off, but I've paid rent?
   Nebraska law protects renters from utility shut-offs due to landlord nonpayment or retaliation. You can issue a 14-Day Notice of Intent to Terminate or seek court action if not restored quickly.
3. Do I have to pay if I can't verify how my share is calculated under a master meter?
   Your landlord must disclose the calculation method in your lease. If it's unclear or seems incorrect, you can request clarification and file an official complaint if unresolved.
4. What official agency can help me with utility billing issues?
   Contact the Nebraska Public Service Commission for billing complaints involving utility providers or the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office for landlord-tenant disputes.

Key Takeaways for Nebraska Renters

• You have the right to clear and accurate utility billing in Nebraska.
• Landlords must follow disclosure and fair billing rules for both sub-metering and master meter systems.
• If problems arise, use official forms and government agencies to protect your rights.

Staying informed helps you avoid surprise charges and gives you options to resolve utility disputes with landlords or utility providers.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Resources: Rights, complaint forms, guides
• Nebraska Public Service Commission Utility Complaints: Report unfair billing and utility provider issues
• Nebraska Judicial Branch – Self-Help Landlord/Tenant: Small claims process and forms
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: Free legal help for qualifying renters

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1. Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Nebraska Landlord-Tenant Handbook (Attorney General)

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