Wisconsin Tenant Rights: Sub-Metering vs. Master Meter Utility Billing

If you rent in Wisconsin, understanding how your utilities are billed—either through sub-metering or a master meter—can make a big difference in your monthly costs and your rights as a tenant. This guide explains how each system works, your protections under Wisconsin law, and what you can do if there are issues with your bill.

How Utility Billing Works for Wisconsin Renters

Wisconsin apartment buildings commonly use two ways to bill tenants for water, gas, or electric services: sub-metering and master meter billing. Both systems have different processes and legal requirements landlords must follow.

What Is Sub-Metering?

Sub-metering means your rental unit has its own meter tracking your individual utility usage. You pay for what you use, usually via a bill from your landlord or a third-party company.

• Each unit’s actual usage is measured.
• You receive a regular bill based on your specific consumption.
• Sometimes, a service fee is included—but this must be clearly stated in your lease.

Wisconsin law allows sub-metering, but only under strict conditions. Charges must reflect true usage and the landlord must disclose billing methods in your rental agreement. For more details, see the official Wisconsin Statutes: Chapter 196—Regulation of Public Utilities.¹

What Is a Master Meter?

In a master meter setup, the building or rental property has one main meter. The landlord receives a single utility bill covering all units, then divides the cost among tenants—often equally or by apartment size.

• You pay a flat rate or portion of the overall bill instead of being billed for your exact usage.
• The breakdown method—whether by square footage, unit size, or equally—must be explained in your lease.
• Master meter billing is common in older buildings not designed for separate unit metering.

Landlords must inform tenants if utilities are billed this way and explain the calculation method upfront.²

Your Rights and Protections Under Wisconsin Law

State law protects tenants from unfair utility billing and requires transparency. Here’s what renters should know:

• Your landlord must state in writing whether you pay for utilities directly (sub-metering) or through cost sharing (master meter).
• Any extra service charges, administrative fees, or surcharges for billing must be disclosed in your written lease.
• You have the right to request access to meter readings or utility bills if there’s a dispute over charges.
• The landlord cannot disconnect utility services as a way to force you to pay rent or as retaliation.
• If a landlord is passing along utility costs not stated in your lease, you may have grounds for a formal complaint.

These tenant protections are part of Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704—Landlord and Tenant and Wisconsin Statutes Section 134.04—Restraint of Trade in Rentals.³

Tip: Always ask your landlord to clearly explain how you’re billed for utilities. Get all utility cost agreements in writing before signing your lease.

What To Do If You Have a Utility Billing Dispute

If you feel your utility charges are inaccurate or unfair, you have options to resolve the issue:

• Request written documentation or copies of utility bills and meter readings from your landlord.
• Communicate your concerns in writing and keep records of all correspondence.
• If there’s no resolution, you can file a complaint with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW), which oversees residential utility billing disputes.

Official Forms for Wisconsin Renters

• Public Service Commission Complaint Form (PSCW Utility Complaint Form)
  
  • When to Use: If you believe you’ve been overcharged, or if utility charges are not transparent or align with your lease agreement.
  • Example: A renter notices extra fees on their utility bill, not supported by lease terms. Use this form to start a complaint investigation.
  • File a Utility Complaint Online (PSCW Official Page)

The Tribunal Overseeing Residential Tenancy Issues

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP) - Landlord Tenant Program is the main agency handling landlord-tenant disputes, besides the PSCW for utility issues. DATCP provides complaint forms, mediation, and enforcement for rental rule violations.

FAQ: Wisconsin Renters’ Rights on Utility Billing

1. Can my landlord charge extra administrative fees for sub-metered utilities?
   Only if these fees are clearly disclosed in your written lease—otherwise, such charges may be unlawful.
2. How can I confirm if my unit uses sub-metering or a master meter?
   Ask your landlord and review your lease. Wisconsin law requires this information to be disclosed in writing.
3. What should I do if my landlord threatens to shut off my utilities during a dispute?
   This is prohibited under Wisconsin law. Contact DATCP or the PSCW for assistance if this occurs.
4. Are there protections if my landlord miscalculates my share of the master meter bill?
   Yes. Tenants can request documentation and file a formal complaint if overcharged or billed unfairly.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Know whether your utilities are sub-metered or billed through a master meter—make sure it’s stated in your lease.
• Landlords must be transparent about billing methods and cannot impose undisclosed fees.
• If you have concerns or disputes, contact PSCW or DATCP for support and use official complaint forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Public Service Commission of Wisconsin – File a Utility Complaint
• DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resources and Complaint Forms
• Wisconsin State Bar – Tenant Advice and Legal Resources

---

1. Wisconsin Statutes: Chapter 196—Regulation of Public Utilities
2. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704—Landlord and Tenant
3. Wisconsin Statutes Section 134.04—Restraint of Trade in Rentals

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations