Who is responsible for paying the water bill in a rented apartment in New Jersey?

Responsibility for water bills depends on your lease agreement; it may be the landlord or the tenant. Review your lease for specifics.

Can my landlord shut off the water if I dispute my bill?

No, landlords in New Jersey cannot legally shut off water or essential utilities as a way to force payment or eviction.

How do I file a water bill complaint as a tenant in New Jersey?

File a formal complaint using the New Jersey Consumer Complaint Form via the Division of Consumer Affairs website.

I received a water bill addressed to my landlord. What should I do?

Notify your landlord in writing for clarification; you're not responsible unless your lease says otherwise.

Can unpaid water bills lead to eviction in New Jersey?

If your lease makes you responsible for water and you fail to pay, the landlord may pursue eviction, but must follow formal court procedures.

Tenant Options for Disputing Water Bills in New Jersey

Utilities, Services & Billing New Jersey published June 21, 2025

If you are renting in New Jersey and facing an unexpected or unusually high water bill, you may feel frustrated or unsure of your rights. Knowing how to dispute water bills, who to contact, and what forms to use can make a big difference. This guide explains your tenant options for water bill disputes, backed by official New Jersey tenant law and government resources.

Understanding Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for Water Bills

In New Jersey, whether a tenant or landlord is responsible for paying water bills depends largely on your lease agreement. Some leases state that water is included in the rent, while others make tenants directly responsible for utilities. However, state law provides important protections and outlines steps to resolve disputes.

Always review your lease to determine if water charges are your responsibility.
By law, landlords must maintain essential services, including water, for all tenants unless the local municipality bills you directly.
If you receive a water bill for charges you don't believe you owe, or if it is unreasonably high, you have several avenues for dispute.

How to Dispute a Water Bill in New Jersey

Tenants have specific rights regarding utility billing disputes. Here’s how you can challenge or clarify a questionable water bill in New Jersey:

Review lease and past bills: Confirm what you are responsible for before raising a dispute.
Communicate in writing: Notify your landlord of any dispute as soon as you notice the issue. Request an itemized explanation of the bill.
Contact your local water utility: Especially if you believe the bill is a mistake or due to a faulty meter, contact the municipal utility authority (MUA) for an investigation.
File a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: If you suspect unfair or deceptive billing, you can file an official complaint. Submit a complaint online.
Seek help from landlord-tenant court: If the dispute affects your tenancy or leads to threatened loss of service, you can seek help through the New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court.

Key Official Form: New Jersey Consumer Complaint Form

Form Name: Consumer Complaint Form
Purpose: This form is used to file a formal complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs if you suspect unfair billing practices by a landlord or utility company.
When to use: For example, a tenant receives a water bill far higher than normal and is unable to get a clear explanation from the landlord. After documentation and a failed resolution attempt, the tenant completes and submits the Consumer Complaint Form.

Tip: Always keep written records and copies of your disputed bill, lease, and all correspondence with your landlord or utility provider.

Relevant Laws Protecting Tenants in Utility Disputes

Your rights as a renter in New Jersey are protected chiefly by the New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act and key sections of New Jersey's landlord-tenant law:

New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Information Service Guide (Truth-in-Renting Act)
New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) Title 46:8-19 (regarding required services and rent payment)

Landlords cannot terminate water or essential utilities as a way to force tenants out, and any such action can be challenged in New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court.¹

Steps to Take When Disputing a Water Bill

Document the disputed charges and timeline of events.
Request written clarification from your landlord.
Contact the local water authority to inspect the meter or verify charges.
Submit the New Jersey Consumer Complaint Form if the issue remains unresolved.
If the dispute affects your right to water service, consider filing a complaint through your local court or seeking legal aid.

By following these steps and using the official complaint process, you can protect your tenancy and ensure fair billing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is responsible for paying the water bill in a rented apartment?
Responsibility generally depends on the lease. If the lease includes water, the landlord pays; if not, tenants may be direct customers of the utility or reimburse landlords. Always check your lease specifics.
What can I do if my landlord threatens to shut off water due to a dispute?
Landlords in New Jersey cannot legally shut off essential services to force payment or eviction. If this happens, contact your local housing office or Landlord-Tenant Court immediately.
Where do I file a utility bill complaint in New Jersey?
You can file with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs or, for municipal issues, with your local water utility authority.
What if I receive a water bill addressed to my landlord, not me?
Notify your landlord in writing and ask for clarification. You are usually not responsible for bills not addressed to you unless your lease states otherwise.
Can unpaid water bills lead to eviction?
If your lease makes you responsible for utilities and you fail to pay, the landlord may seek eviction. However, the landlord must follow formal legal procedures and cannot simply cut off your water.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Jersey Renters

Always check your lease for water bill responsibility and keep written records of all disputes.
You have official avenues—including state complaint forms and the landlord-tenant court—to resolve billing issues fairly.
New Jersey law and official resources protect your right to essential services like water.

Understanding your rights and using the proper steps can make water bill disputes manageable and prevent disruptions to your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court – For urgent disputes affecting services or eviction.
NJ Department of Community Affairs – Landlord-Tenant Information
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs – Submit formal complaints or seek mediation.
Utility Customer Complaints – NJ Board of Public Utilities
Local Legal Aid Legal Services of New Jersey

See: New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act, Page 12: Services and Facilities
For the court process, see NJ Courts – Landlord Tenant Section