Does my landlord have to pay the water bill if it’s not in the lease?

Usually, yes. If your lease does not specifically make you responsible for water, it’s generally the landlord’s duty to pay.

Can my water be shut off if my landlord doesn't pay the bill?

Not immediately. Utilities must give advance notice, and tenants may apply for service in their own name to prevent shutoff.

How do I dispute a water bill with my city water department?

Contact the water department, request an explanation, and submit their official dispute form. Always keep records of communication.

Is there an official government tribunal for tenant-water disputes in Pennsylvania?

There is no central tribunal; most disputes are handled by local Magisterial District Judges or the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

What laws protect tenants from unfair water billing in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 governs rental charges. Public utilities are also regulated by the state PUC.

Pennsylvania Tenant Rights for Water Bill Disputes

Utilities, Services & Billing Pennsylvania published June 21, 2025

If you're renting in Pennsylvania and facing a dispute over your water bill, you're not alone. Many tenants are unsure about who is responsible for water payments, how to challenge incorrect charges, or what to do if service is threatened. Understanding your rights and the official steps to resolve water bill disputes can bring clarity and empower you to resolve issues fairly while staying protected.

Understanding Water Bill Responsibilities in Pennsylvania Rentals

The Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act does not automatically make tenants responsible for utility bills like water. Instead, your lease agreement should clearly state whether you or your landlord pays the water bill. If the lease is silent or vague, the landlord is typically responsible by default.

If your lease says you pay for water, you are responsible for billed service during your tenancy.
If the landlord pays, any efforts to shift this responsibility to you (without written agreement) may violate your rights.
Some municipalities limit landlords from passing on certain charges, so check with your local public utility or housing authority.

Common Water Bill Disputes Renters Face

Unexpectedly high water bills due to leaks, meter reading errors, or incorrect billing periods
Bills for service periods before you moved in or after you moved out
Landlords charging tenants for water when the lease does not say so
Disconnection threats due to nonpayment or unresolved disputes

Before paying a disputed bill or facing service shutoff, know your rights and next options:

How to Dispute a Water Bill in Pennsylvania

Follow these recommended steps when challenging a water bill:

Review your lease to confirm whether water is your responsibility.
Contact your water utility provider (city water department or municipal authority) to request an explanation, correct meter reading, or written statement of your account history.
If the dispute remains unresolved, file a formal complaint with your provider. Official forms and processes may vary by city, but all regulated utilities must offer a dispute process. For example, the Philadelphia Water Department uses the Water Bill Dispute Form (no official number), which allows tenants to explain the issue and submit documentation.
If your landlord is responsible under the lease but fails to address service or billing issues, you may file a complaint with your local housing authority or consider action in your local Magisterial District Judge court.
For properties served by a public utility company (rather than a municipal water department), you may file a utility complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Tip: Always keep records of your lease, all communication with your landlord and the utility, bills, and any forms you send regarding disputes. This documentation protects your rights if you later need to demonstrate the issue in housing court or before a regulatory agency.

Official Forms for Water Bill Disputes

Philadelphia Water Bill Dispute Form
- Dispute Your Water Bill - Official City Form
- When to use: If you live in Philadelphia and believe your water bill is incorrect, use this form to request a review and evidence from the water department. For example, if you notice unusually high usage while away, submitting this form opens an investigation into possible meter or billing errors.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Utility Complaint Form
- PUC Utility Complaint Process
- When to use: If you rent outside Philadelphia and your water is provided by a regulated utility (not municipal), submit this complaint if repeated billing errors are not resolved by the company. This form can initiate a formal PUC investigation.

What if Water Service Is Threatened?

In Pennsylvania, the law protects tenants from sudden shutoffs and requires advance written notice. If your landlord is responsible and fails to pay, utilities often must notify both tenant and landlord before service is disconnected. You may be eligible for direct payment plans to keep service uninterrupted.

Never ignore a utility shutoff notice – contact both the utility and your local housing authority if you receive one. If shutoff occurs, call the utility and request to apply as a "tenant-occupant" paying directly. This may restore your water while you resolve the dispute.

Pennsylvania's Tenancy Tribunal and Key Legislation

There is no statewide residential tenancy board in Pennsylvania. Water bill and rental disputes are typically handled by the Magisterial District Judge in your local area (for small civil cases, including landlord-tenant and billing disputes). The main law governing rental rights is the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951.¹

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Water Bill Disputes

Does my landlord have to pay the water bill if it’s not in the lease?
Usually, yes. If your lease does not state you are responsible for water, it is the landlord’s duty. Local ordinances may also play a role.
Can my water be shut off if my landlord doesn't pay the bill?
Not immediately. Utilities must provide advance written notice, and you may have the right to apply for service in your name as a tenant-occupant to prevent shutoff.
How do I dispute a water bill with my city water department?
Contact the water department directly, ask for an explanation or correction, and submit the official dispute form if needed. Keep copies of everything.
Is there an official government tribunal for tenant-water disputes in Pennsylvania?
No single tribunal exists. Most disputes are resolved through the local Magisterial District Judge or public utility commission complaint process.
What laws protect tenants from unfair water billing in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 and, for public utilities, regulations enforced by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Renters

Always check your lease before paying or disputing water bills.
File official forms and keep a paper trail when raising a dispute about charges or service.
Help is available from your city water department, local housing authority, or the PUC.

If you’re proactive and use the correct process, you can often resolve water bill disputes fairly and protect your utility services.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Contact – For utility complaints outside municipal water.
Philadelphia Water Department Help – Official site for bill disputes and payment plans in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – Renters' Support
Magisterial District Judges Directory – For filing small claims or disputes locally.

Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951