Sub-Metering and Master Meter Rights for WV Renters

If you rent a home or apartment in West Virginia, understanding how your utilities are billed is key for budgeting and knowing your rights. Utility costs are often billed using either a master meter or individual sub-meters. Each approach has different rules and protections for tenants under West Virginia law.

Understanding Utility Metering: Master Meter vs. Sub-Metering

West Virginia landlords may charge tenants for utilities using two main methods:

• Master Meter: One main utility meter covers the entire building. The landlord receives a single bill from the utility company and may allocate costs to tenants.
• Sub-Metering: Each unit has its own meter (sub-meter), so tenants pay only for the utilities they use. Tenants may be billed directly by the utility provider or reimbursed through their landlord.

How your utilities are metered can affect your monthly bills, dispute rights, and even your eligibility for utility shutoff protection.

What Does West Virginia Law Say About Utility Billing?

West Virginia's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act sets out rules about utility charges and responsibilities¹. Additional protections come from the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates how utilities can be billed, shared, and disconnected².

Tenant Rights and Obligations with Utility Metering

West Virginia renters have important rights connected to how utilities are billed:

• If you pay utilities directly to a provider, you have the right to accurate billing based on your actual usage and to dispute errors with the utility company.
• If your landlord bills you for utility costs, your lease should clearly describe how charges are calculated (either by sub-meter readings or by a formula for shared master meters).
• Landlords must not shut off essential utilities (like water, gas, or electric) to force rent payment or as a form of retaliation. Utility shutoff is regulated by law.
• Under master metering, landlords must not charge tenants excess amounts above the total bill or use utility charges as profit.

For ongoing disputes, the Public Service Commission and the courts handle complaints about billing fairness, disconnections, or improper charges.

Protections Against Wrongful Utility Disconnection

If you pay your landlord for utilities, you are entitled to reasonable notice before any service interruption. The West Virginia PSC prohibits landlords from discontinuing regulated utilities without following specific steps. Unauthorized disconnection can be grounds for a complaint and even a court claim for damages or rent reduction. If a utility company threatens disconnection due to unpaid landlord bills (even if you paid your portion), contact the PSC immediately.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Public Service Commission Utility Complaint Form:
  Online Consumer Complaint Form
  Use this form to file a complaint about utility billing, service problems, or unauthorized shut-offs. For example, if your water is turned off because your landlord failed to pay the master meter bill—even though you paid them—you can submit this form online to the West Virginia PSC.

Who Oversees Tenant Utility Issues in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) handles utility disputes and regulates service for most water, gas, and electric utilities statewide. They resolve complaints about billing, disconnection, and service quality. For other rental disputes, the local magistrate court may have jurisdiction.

The main tenant-landlord legislation is the West Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.¹

FAQs for Renters on Utility Billing in WV

1. Can my landlord charge me more for utilities than what they pay for the master meter?
   No. Landlords are not allowed to profit from utility billing and must only charge tenants their fair share of the actual cost, as described in your lease.
2. What if my utility is shut off even though I paid my utility bill to my landlord?
   If your service is disconnected because your landlord did not pay the master meter, you can file a complaint with the Public Service Commission and seek legal remedies in court.
3. Are landlords required to provide sub-meters in West Virginia?
   No, state law does not require sub-metering. Landlords can use either method but must be transparent about how charges are calculated.
4. What can I do if I think my landlord is billing me incorrectly for utilities?
   Gather your lease, all utility bills, and payment records, then contact the West Virginia Public Service Commission to start a complaint.
5. Does the Public Service Commission handle rent or maintenance problems?
   No, the PSC only deals with utility and service billing complaints. Rent or maintenance issues are handled by local courts or housing agencies.

Key Takeaways for WV Renters

• Your lease must spell out how you are charged for utilities, whether sub-metered or master metered.
• Landlords cannot overcharge or disconnect regulated utilities outside the law.
• The West Virginia PSC protects your utility service rights and will review formal complaints.

If you’re unsure whether your billing is fair, always review your lease and seek help from the PSC or tenant support agencies.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• West Virginia Public Service Commission — File complaints and read about your utility rights.
• West Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — Full text of the main rental law.
• Legal Aid of West Virginia — Free or low-cost legal assistance for renters.
• West Virginia Housing Development Fund — Renters Resources

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1. West Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act
2. West Virginia PSC Utility Consumer Information

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