Sub-Metering and Master Meter Rules for Tenants in Rhode Island

If you rent an apartment or home in Rhode Island, understanding how your utilities are billed is important for both budgeting and protecting your tenant rights. Rhode Island’s laws differ depending on whether your unit is set up with sub-metering or uses a master meter system—knowing the differences can help you handle billing disputes and utility shutoff risks with confidence.

Sub-Metering vs. Master Meter: What's the Difference?

Utility bills in rental properties are typically handled in one of two ways:

• Sub-metering: Each rental unit has its own utility meter. Renters pay only for the amount of electricity, water, or gas they use.
• Master meter: The landlord receives one bill for the entire building, then divides or includes utility costs as part of the rent, often based on apartment size or a formula.

Which system your building uses directly impacts your rights and your responsibilities.

Your Utility Rights as a Rhode Island Renter

Rhode Island protects tenants’ rights regardless of the utility billing system, but your situation may differ depending on the meter type:

For Sub-Metered Units

• Utility accounts should be in your name and billed directly by the utility company.
• If utilities are not paid, only your service can be disconnected—not for the whole building.
• A landlord cannot add extra charges to the utility's base rate or force you to pay for other tenants’ use.

For Master Metered Units

• The landlord is responsible for the utility account, and you may pay a share, either included in rent or as a separate charge.
• If the landlord fails to pay, your entire building could have utilities shut off.
• You have protections against shutoff for nonpayment by the landlord (see below for how to respond).

The Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Full Legislation Text) defines basic utility rights for tenants.

If You're Facing Utility Shutoffs or Disputes

Are your utilities threatened due to a landlord’s non-payment? Rhode Island law gives you options and protections:

• Landlords must maintain essential services such as heat, water, and electricity (see Section 34-18-22).
• You can give written notice and may pay the utility bill yourself to restore service, subtracting the cost from your rent.
• You may file a complaint with the Rhode Island District Court - Landlord/Tenant Division if your essential services are turned off.

Key Forms for Tenants

• District Court Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form – Form used to initiate legal action if your landlord unlawfully denies utilities or essential services. Available at the Rhode Island Judiciary - District Court Forms. For example, file this form if your landlord fails to restore water despite your written request.
• Written Notice of Breach (no specific form required) – Before withholding rent or making repairs, write a notice stating the problem. Rhode Island does not require a specific form, but guidance is available in the District Court's Landlord/Tenant Handbook.

What to Do if Your Utilities Are Shut Off

If your electricity, water, or gas is disconnected due to a landlord’s non-payment in a master-metered building, you have the right to:

• Give your landlord written notice to restore services within 20 days
• Arrange and pay to restore services yourself if the landlord does not fix the problem, then deduct the cost from your next rent payment
• File a complaint with the Rhode Island District Court - Landlord/Tenant Division for emergency relief

Always document your communication and actions, and save receipts for any utility payment you make on the landlord’s behalf.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord charge extra fees for utilities if I have a sub-meter?
   No. Rhode Island law requires that you only pay for your actual utility use. Additional charges or hidden fees for utilities are not allowed unless clearly specified in your lease and allowed by law.
2. What do I do if my landlord's non-payment leads to utility shutoff?
   Provide written notice to your landlord. If not fixed within 20 days, pay to restore the utility and deduct that cost from your rent, or file a complaint with the District Court.
3. If my rent includes utilities, do I have any responsibility if they go unpaid?
   If utilities are master-metered and included in your rent, your landlord is responsible for payment. You do not have to pay the utility again, but you should follow the notice and complaint process if services are threatened.
4. Where can I get help for utility billing disputes in Rhode Island?
   Contact the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission or the Rhode Island District Court - Landlord/Tenant Division. Legal aid services are also available for free advice.
5. Are there official guides on tenants’ rights to utilities?
   Yes. Rhode Island Judiciary offers a Landlord/Tenant Handbook.

Key Takeaways for Rhode Island Renters

• Know if your utilities are sub-metered (billed directly to you) or master-metered (billed to your landlord)
• If utilities are shut off due to landlord non-payment, you have the right to written notice, restoration, and possible rent deductions
• For unresolved issues, you can file complaints with the Rhode Island District Court and contact rental assistance resources

Understanding your utility setup helps you protect your rights and respond confidently to any utility billing or shutoff situation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Division (handles residential tenancy issues)
• Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (full text of tenancy law)
• Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission – Consumer Information
• Rhode Island Housing – Resources for Renters
• Rhode Island Legal Services

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1. Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 34, Chapter 34-18)
2. Rhode Island District Court – Landlord/Tenant Handbook
3. Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission

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