Tenant Rights in Texas: Handling Water Bill Disputes

If you're a renter in Texas and are facing issues with your water bill—like unexpected charges, meter errors, or unclear billing from your landlord—it's important to know your rights and how to take action. Texas law protects tenants when it comes to shared utility billing and ensures landlords follow specific rules for charging tenants for water. This article guides you through your options, what steps you can take, relevant forms, and where to find help if you have a dispute over your water bill.

Your Rights with Water Billing in Texas Rentals

Texas renters should know that landlords must follow clear legal guidelines when billing tenants for water. Under the Texas Property Code, Section 92.0131, landlords may only charge tenants for water if:

• The lease specifically allows it
• The method for determining usage and cost is clearly described
• The landlord provides disclosures and billing information (like the billing period and calculation method)
• The property is individually metered, submetered, or allocated as per state rules

If these terms are not met, or if your bill seems incorrect, you have the right to challenge the charges.

Common Reasons for Water Bill Disputes

• Unexpectedly high bills or unexplained increases
• Errors in meter reading or calculation
• Lack of access to meter data or billing details
• Landlord failing to provide an itemized bill
• Suspected leaks or building-wide plumbing issues

Most disputes can be solved by communicating directly with your landlord. But if this doesn't work, Texas law gives you further protections and options.

How to Dispute Your Water Bill: Step-by-Step

If you think your water bill is incorrect or unfair, follow these steps:

• Review Your Lease: Confirm that water billing terms are included and check how charges are determined.
• Ask for Documentation: Request a copy of the actual bill, the billing period covered, and meter readings.
• Put Your Complaint in Writing: Send a formal letter or email to your landlord describing the issue and any evidence (such as meter readings or previous bills).
• Request Correction: Ask your landlord to review and adjust the bill if an error is found. Texas Property Code requires landlords to respond to disputes promptly.
• File an Official Complaint (If Necessary): If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you may file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) if your landlord is charging you for water as a third-party utility provider or for multifamily properties.

Official Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

• PUC Informal Complaint Form: If you believe your landlord or utility billing company has violated Texas water billing laws, use the PUC Online Utility Complaint Form.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to provide a bill breakdown as required by law, complete this form online. Attach any supporting documentation (emails, bills, photos). The PUC will contact you with a response or next steps.

Be sure to gather any copies of correspondence, leases, and statements to support your complaint. The PUC will review and may mediate a resolution if necessary.

Key Texas Legislation and Tribunals

• Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies
• Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) – Handles utility billing disputes and enforces utility billing rules

What to Expect After Filing a Complaint

After submitting a complaint to the PUC or notifying your landlord, you should receive a written response outlining the investigation or resolution. The process often takes several weeks. Keep copies of all communications and do not ignore bills—even if the amount is disputed—unless advised otherwise by the PUC or a legal authority.

FAQ: Texas Tenants and Water Bill Disputes

1. Can my landlord charge me for water if it’s not mentioned in my lease?
   No. Under Texas law, landlords cannot bill tenants for water unless the lease clearly allows it and describes the billing method.^[1]
2. What should I do if my water bill is much higher than usual?
   Request an itemized bill and check for errors. If there is no resolution with your landlord, file a complaint with the PUC and keep records of all communications.
3. Does my landlord have to show me the actual meter readings?
   Yes. For individually metered or submetered properties, landlords must provide the meter readings for the relevant billing period upon request.^[1]
4. Who enforces water billing laws for Texas renters?
   The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) enforces and investigates utility billing issues in multi-unit housing.
5. Is there a deadline for disputing a water bill?
   You should dispute a bill as soon as possible—ideally within one billing cycle—to protect your rights and avoid late fees or further complications.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Texas tenants cannot be charged for water unless the lease allows and proper procedures are followed.
• If you disagree with your water bill, request documentation and respond in writing.
• You have the right to file an official complaint with the PUC if the issue isn't fixed.

Understanding your rights, acting promptly, and using official resources can help you resolve most water bill disputes in Texas rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Utility Complaint Portal
• Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 – Tenant Rights & Responsibilities
• Visit the TexasLawHelp – Water Billing Problems for general legal information
• Call the Texas PUC Consumer Hotline: 1-888-782-8477

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1. Texas Property Code, Section 92.0131 – Utility Charges and Metering

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