Challenging a High Utility Bill as a Texas Renter

Receiving an unexpectedly high utility bill in Texas can cause stress and confusion, especially for renters who depend on clear, fair billing. Fortunately, Texas law offers ways to challenge and resolve overinflated utility charges, whether they come from your landlord or a utility provider. This guide explains what rights Texas tenants have, how to dispute questionable bills, and official steps and forms to help you resolve the issue.

Your Rights Regarding Utility Bills in Texas

Under Texas law, landlords are required to provide accurate and transparent utility billing if they pass any utility costs directly to tenants. As a renter, you should only pay for your share of utility usage unless your lease says otherwise. Charges must comply with the Texas Property Code Chapter 92: Residential Tenancies, which protects tenants from unfair practices and requires landlords to follow specific billing rules if they submeter or allocate utilities.^[1]

Reasons Your Utility Bill Might Be Too High

• Mistakes in meter readings (incorrect readings or faulty equipment)
• Errors in utility allocation formulas (for master-metered apartments)
• Incorrect tenant information on billing statements
• Unresolved maintenance issues causing excess utility consumption
• Unexplained or new fees and surcharges

If your bill seems unusually high, start by reviewing your lease, recent utility bills, and any correspondence from your landlord or utility company.

How to Challenge an Overinflated Utility Bill in Texas

Texas renters can dispute questionable charges by reaching out to the main parties involved and, if needed, seeking help from a state regulator. Early documentation and prompt, clear communication can make your challenge more effective.

Step-by-Step: Disputing a Utility Bill

• Gather billing records: Collect your current and past utility bills, lease agreement, and any related communications.
• Contact your landlord or property manager first: Politely bring up your concerns and request a detailed breakdown of the charges. Ask for meter readings or calculation methods.
• Request error correction: If you find discrepancies, notify the landlord in writing. Texas law allows you to request billing corrections in writing for submetered or allocated service errors.
• Use the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Complaint Process: If your landlord or the utility company does not resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), which regulates electric and water utilities in Texas.
• Document everything: Keep copies of communications, payment proof, and any forms submitted.

Official Forms for Disputing Utility Bills in Texas

• PUCT Informal Complaint Form (online submission)
  When and how to use: If your issue remains unresolved with your landlord or the utility provider, submit this form online through the PUCT website. For example, a renter receives a water bill showing double the normal usage and suspects a reading error. After discussing it with the landlord without resolution, the renter files an informal complaint using the PUCT’s complaint form. The Commission reviews your complaint and may contact all parties for more information.
• Texas Office of the Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form (online submission)
  When and how to use: Use this to report unfair or deceptive utility billing practices, such as hidden charges or refusal to provide bills. A renter may use this if a landlord repeatedly refuses to show water bill statements yet demands high payments.

The Role of the Texas Public Utility Commission

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is the official state board overseeing utility billing concerns for renters and all residents. For questions about your rights, or if your landlord ignores your complaint, you can contact the PUCT for guidance and next steps.

FAQ: Common Questions About High Utility Bills in Texas Rentals

1. Can my landlord charge me for utilities without showing me the bills?
   Landlords must provide a breakdown or copy of the charges if you ask, especially in submetered or allocated utility setups under Texas law.
2. What if I think my water or electricity meter is broken?
   You have the right to request a test of the meter. If it is faulty, you may be entitled to a corrected bill.
3. Who do I contact if my landlord won’t fix an incorrect bill?
   After trying to resolve it with your landlord, contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas to file a complaint.
4. Does my landlord have to notify me about a rate or fee increase?
   Yes—landlords must notify tenants in writing of any change to the utility rate, method of allocation, or fees.
5. Can my utility service be shut off for non-payment of a disputed bill?
   Usually, no. Texas law restricts certain utility shut-offs, especially for submetered residents, until disputes are resolved. Always communicate in writing and keep records.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Review your lease and bill details before disputing charges
• Communicate concerns in writing and keep a paper trail
• Use official complaint processes with the PUCT if issues remain unresolved

Prompt action and thorough documentation are essential to resolving utility billing issues fairly in Texas rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) – File a Complaint or Get Information
• Texas Attorney General - Consumer Complaint Portal
• Texas Property Code Chapter 92: Residential Tenancies
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – Tenant Resources

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1. Texas Property Code Chapter 92: Residential Tenancies
2. Public Utility Commission of Texas
3. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

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