Massachusetts law
MGL c.186, § 22 Water submetering in residential tenancies
Massachusetts regulations
105 CMR 410.354 Metering of electricity and water
Allows landlords to separately bill tenants for electricity and water in certain circumstances.
Web sources
How submetering works, Mass Legal Help.
Resource outlining how water enters residential properties, how submetering works, and what measures landlords have to take to bill for water.
How to locate and read your water meter, Home Water Works.
Resource explaining where water meters are typically located and how to read them.
Water submetering: Costs, benefits and legal compliance, MassLandlords.
Resource for landlords discussing how to implement submetering of water in residential tenancies, and how to stay compliant with the law. The Mass Landlords page also has relevant checklists and resources to help landlords get started.
What can a tenant do if the submeter is not accurate?, Mass Legal Help.
When can a tenant be billed directly for water under the water law?, Mass Legal Help.
- Landlord has installed submeters that measure actual water used in your apartment
- Landlord has installed low-flow fixtures
- Your tenancy started on or after March 16, 2005
- Previous tenant was not forced out
- There is a written rental agreement that spells out water bill arrangements; and
- Landlord has filed proper certification
Mass Legal Help has also released a booklet including more information such as:
- What tenants can and cannot be charged for
- What information the bill from the landlord must include
- What happens when bills are not paid
- What happens if a tenant has plumbing issues
- A directory of resources for individuals looking to navigate a variety of landlord-tenant issues
Additional Resources
Print sources
Lease drafting in Massachusetts, 4th ed., MCLE loose-leaf, section 13.4.7.
Residential and commercial landlord-tenant practice in Massachusetts, 4th ed., MCLE, 2022, section 1.2.8.
Contact for Massachusetts law about submetering water for tenants
Online
| Last updated: | July 14, 2023 |
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