Vermont Tenant Rights: Handling Water Bill Disputes

If you're renting a home or apartment in Vermont, questions about utilities and water bills can be confusing—especially if you receive a bill that doesn't seem right. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take is essential if you're facing a water bill dispute with your landlord or a utility company. This guide will help you navigate Vermont's rules on utility charges and outline practical steps to resolve issues.

Who Pays for Water? Lease Agreements and Vermont Law

In Vermont, the responsibility for water and sewer bills depends on your rental agreement. Some leases specify that the tenant must pay these bills, while others include them as part of the rent. Always check your written lease or rental agreement first.

• If your lease states you pay for water, you are generally responsible for the charges.
• If your lease does not mention utilities, your landlord is typically responsible for water and sewer costs¹.
• Landlords must follow the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act regarding essential services and lease terms.

Common Water Bill Disputes for Vermont Renters

• Receiving a bill for an unusually high amount
• Being charged for water service you believe is included in the rent
• Disputes over leaks, faulty plumbing, or shared meters in multi-unit buildings
• Water bills for periods when you did not occupy the unit

These disputes can have different solutions, but Vermont law offers protections and options for all renters.

Your Rights and How to Dispute a Water Bill

If you believe you're being incorrectly billed for water, you have several options.

1. Review Your Lease and Communicate

• Start by reviewing your lease to clarify who should pay for water.
• Contact your landlord or property manager with your concern in writing. Keep a copy for your records.

2. Contact the Utility Company

• In Vermont, many water utilities are regulated. Contact the water utility company to:
• Request a copy of your billing history
• Ask about meter readings or possible leaks
• File a formal complaint if you believe charges are incorrect
• If the water supplier is regulated, you may file a utility complaint with the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC).

3. File an Official Utility Complaint

• The primary tribunal for regulated utility disputes in Vermont is the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC).
• Use the PUC Consumer Complaint Form to initiate an investigation. This form is available on the official PUC website.
• When to use: If you have tried contacting your provider (and landlord, when relevant) and haven't resolved the dispute.

Example: Jane, a tenant in Burlington, notices a huge spike in her water bill. She contacts her landlord but gets no response. Jane fills out the PUC Consumer Complaint Form online and attaches her lease and bills as evidence.

4. Escalate the Dispute – Tenant Protections

• If your water service is threatened due to nonpayment of a bill you believe isn't your responsibility, Vermont law prevents landlords from shutting off water as a way to evict or pressure a tenant².
• You may also contact the Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) for guidance and advocacy.

Official Forms: What Vermont Renters May Need

• PUC Consumer Complaint Form
  When and how it's used: File online to dispute utility charges with regulated water suppliers. Attach documentation (lease, bills, correspondence).
  File with the Vermont Public Utility Commission

You and the Law: Vermont Rental Legislation

Vermont rental law is set out in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137). Key sections cover tenant and landlord responsibilities regarding essential services, utilities, and habitability.

Action Steps for Vermont Renters in a Water Bill Dispute

• Review your lease agreement to confirm utility responsibility.
• Gather all documentation: lease, bills, meter readings, emails, and letters.
• Contact your landlord in writing to explain your dispute and request a resolution.
• Contact the water utility provider for clarification or to check for meter errors.
• If not resolved, file a complaint with the Vermont Public Utility Commission.

1. Do Vermont landlords have to pay for water if the lease is silent?
   If your lease does not mention utilities, Vermont law assumes the landlord pays for water and sewer, unless there is a written or clear agreement otherwise.
2. Can my landlord shut off my water if I don't pay a disputed bill?
   No. Landlords in Vermont cannot use utility shutoffs as an eviction tool or to force payment of disputed bills.
3. What if the water bill is unusually high—could it be a leak?
   Yes. High bills may be due to leaks or faulty meters. Request an inspection from the utility provider and communicate promptly with your landlord.
4. Who oversees water utility complaints in Vermont?
   The Vermont Public Utility Commission regulates most water utilities and handles billing disputes. For non-regulated providers, Small Claims Court may be an option.
5. How can I prove a water charge isn't my responsibility?
   Collect your lease, proof of payments, and communications. If possible, obtain statements from utility providers or meter records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Public Utility Commission – Regulates utility services and oversees complaints
• Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program – For legal information and complaint assistance
• Vermont Legal Aid – Housing Help – Free legal information for tenants
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act – Full statewide laws on rental rights

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1. See Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act, 9 V.S.A. Chapter 137
2. Vermont law prohibits landlord utility shutoff; see 9 V.S.A. § 4463

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