What should I do if my landlord won’t address a utility issue causing high bills?

Contact the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission or your local housing office, and consider filing a formal complaint if necessary.

How long do I have to dispute a utility bill in Rhode Island?

You should dispute billing errors promptly and file with RIPUC ideally within 30 days of the bill.

Can my landlord disconnect utilities for nonpayment?

No, landlords in Rhode Island cannot disconnect essential services as a method of eviction or retaliation.

Do I have to keep paying disputed bills while a complaint is pending?

Continue paying the undisputed portion of your bill and keep documentation while your complaint is being reviewed.

Where can I get free help with my utility billing dispute?

You can contact the RIPUC Consumer Division or Rhode Island Housing for free, impartial assistance.

Challenging High Utility Bills as a Rhode Island Renter

Utilities, Services & Billing Rhode Island published June 21, 2025

If you’re a renter in Rhode Island and received a utility bill that seems unusually high, you have legal rights and clear steps you can take to challenge the charges. Utility expenses are a significant part of renting, and state laws protect consumers from billing errors or unfair practices. This guide will help Rhode Island tenants understand how to dispute an overinflated utility bill, where to get assistance, and how to use official complaint forms and government resources for support.

Understanding Your Utility Bills as a Renter

In Rhode Island, renters may be responsible for gas, electricity, water, or other utility bills, depending on the terms of their lease. It’s important to carefully review your lease to confirm:

Which utilities you are responsible for paying
Whether your landlord or a utility company bills you directly
If utility charges are sub-metered, included in rent, or billed separately

Common Reasons for Overinflated Utility Bills

Meter reading errors or estimated readings
Leaking appliances or faulty wiring in the rental
Incorrect billing rates or fees
Shared meters not properly allocated among units
Unreported changes in occupancy

Identifying the source of a high bill is key to deciding on your next step.

Your Legal Rights and Protections

Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets out rights for renters regarding fair billing and proper maintenance of utility infrastructure.^[1] Additionally, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) regulates utility companies and handles complaints about overbilling and disputes.^[2]

If your bill looks wrong, don’t ignore it. Rhode Island law requires that landlords maintain safe electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, and prevents landlords from disconnecting a tenant’s utilities as a means of retaliation or eviction.^[1]

Steps to Dispute an Overinflated Utility Bill

You have a few important avenues for resolving a high utility bill. Start with these actions:

Double-check the bill: Compare current charges to previous bills and check for meter reading errors or unexpected surges.
Contact your utility provider: Call or email the company to ask for a detailed explanation and request a review of the bill and your meter reading.
Notify your landlord in writing if you believe a maintenance issue (like a leak) is causing higher usage.
Gather documentation: Save copies of your lease, billing statements, any correspondence, and photos of your meter if possible.

Filing a Utility Complaint in Rhode Island

If your dispute isn’t resolved after contacting your landlord and the utility provider, you can file a formal complaint with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC). They investigate complaints about utility overbilling, service shutoffs, and discrimination.

Form: Consumer Complaint Form (RIPUC)
- When to use: After you’ve contacted your utility provider and not received a resolution. For example, if National Grid has not corrected an inaccurate meter reading that resulted in an inflated electricity bill, you would use this form.
- How to use: Download, complete, and submit this form via email, mail, or fax as instructed on the form. Be sure to include supporting documentation.
- Instructions and form download

The RIPUC consumer affairs team will review your complaint, and, if needed, mediate between you, your landlord, and the utility provider.

Tip: Always keep copies of any complaint forms or correspondence for your records.

Who Handles Disputes? Official Contacts in Rhode Island

Utility billing disputes are reviewed by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission & Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (RIPUC/DPUC). For landlord-tenant issues related to utility shutoff, the district court also has jurisdiction under the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1][2]

Key Rhode Island Tenant Laws and Regulations

Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Covers landlord and tenant responsibilities for utilities.
RIPUC Complaint Procedures – Official information about the process of disputing utility bills.

Review these laws to better understand your rights and responsibilities when challenging any utility billing issues.

FAQ: Challenging Utility Bills in Rhode Island

What should I do if my landlord won’t address a utility issue causing high bills?
If your landlord ignores your written request, consider contacting the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission or seeking help from your local housing office. You may have additional remedies under state law for failure to make necessary repairs or maintain appliances.
How long do I have to dispute a utility bill in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law encourages prompt disputes—submit your complaint to the utility provider as soon as you notice an error. If unresolved, file with the RIPUC within 30 days of the disputed bill for the best chance at timely assistance.
Can my landlord disconnect utilities for nonpayment?
No. Under the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords cannot legally disconnect essential services as a method of eviction or retaliation.
Do I have to keep paying disputed bills while a complaint is pending?
In most cases, you should continue to pay the non-disputed portion of your bill to avoid late fees or disconnection, and document any payments made. Discuss payment options with RIPUC if necessary.
Where can I get free help with my utility billing dispute?
Contact the RIPUC Consumer Division or your local Rhode Island Housing office for free, impartial advice on bill disputes and tenant rights.

Key Takeaways for Rhode Island Renters

Double-check bills and review your lease before raising a dispute
Contact your utility provider and landlord in writing about any errors or maintenance concerns
Use official forms and submit a complaint with RIPUC if issues remain unresolved

Act quickly and keep detailed records to best protect your rights and avoid disconnection.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission – Consumer Complaints: Comprehensive complaint process, forms, and contact information
Rhode Island Housing Renter Resources: General tenant rights, legal aid contacts
Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Information: For issues involving legal proceedings over utilities or lease disputes