Do Renters Pay Water Bill? A Guide for California Tenants

It can be hard for renters in California to figure out who pays the water bill. Unlike gas and electric, there are no state laws that say whether the landlord or the tenant is responsible for paying the water bill.

Ultimately, California renters pay all of their utilities. These fees are either included in the rent or paid for separately by the renter. The exact details depend on your lease agreement and the rules in your area.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything tenants need to know about paying for water when renting in California.

How Water Billing Typically Works for Rentals in California

While not universally required by law, it is common practice for California landlords to bundle water/sewer fees into the base monthly rent.

There are a few reasons property owners tend to handle water billing:

• Avoiding shutoffs – Unlike gas or electric, water is considered an “essential” utility. If the water gets shut off due to nonpayment, it can lead to property damage from frozen/burst pipes. Landlords want to prevent this.

• Easy billing—It’s a pain to deal with new tenants and move accounts from one person to another. Including it in rent simplifies things.

• Liability – If a past tenant leaves with an unpaid balance, the landlord can potentially be held responsible by the municipal water company. Handling the bill themselves avoids this.

While bundled into the rent total, water costs are not likely to be broken out as a line item. Landlords can charge a small processing fee, but cannot earn a profit margin on the actual usage.

When Tenants Must Handle Water Billing Directly

Water is usually included by landlords, but that doesn’t mean it’s always necessary. Your specific lease agreement will stipulate who is responsible.

If the contract states the tenant must handle water billing, you’ll need to set up an account with the local utility provider. This might involve opening a new account, or transferring an existing one if you already use that company.

You’ll want to clarify the process for transferring the account back to the landlord when you move out to avoid being liable for bills afterwards.

Watch Out for Excessive Water Charges in Rent

While landlords cannot overtly profit from sublet water bills, bundled utility charges can be difficult to verify in your monthly rent:

• Water costs are rarely broken out as a line item. You can’t confirm the total.

• Since water providers are local utilities, it’s hard to gauge what “typical” rates are.

Signs you might be getting overcharged:

• Total rent significantly above market rate for the area

• Vague “utilities fee” exceeds $100+ per month

• Rent spikes after moving in despite no change in services

If you suspect unfair water billing, call the utility provider directly to request billing records for the property. This will give you an accurate average to reference.

What to Do About Leaky Pipes and Water Damage

Faulty plumbing leading to leaks, floods, and water damage is an issue in any rental unit. In California, the landlord is generally responsible for repair costs unless the tenant’s negligence caused the problem.

However, your personal items damaged in a leak are not covered unless you have renters insurance. Be sure to secure a policy for protection.

Can My Landlord Shut Off Water if I Don’t Pay Rent?

Withholding water service due to unpaid rent is illegal according to California law. However, if the tenant is responsible for water billing directly, the utility company can shut it off for nonpayment like any other customer.

A landlord cannot tamper with or shut off your water service due to issues like late rent. Doing so is considered an “illegal eviction”, allowing you to sue for damages.

Shutoffs from the utility provider for nonpayment are still possible if you fail to pay your water bill. To avoid this, follow payment agreements and seek financial assistance if necessary.

Choosing a Rental Where Water is Included or Separate

When evaluating California rental listings, look for specifics on who handles water and other utility bills:

All utilities included: Simplest option but offers less control over costs. Likely higher overall rent.

Select utilities included: Compromise if you want to control only certain bills. For example, water/trash included but tenant pays electric.

Tenant pays all separately: Provides most transparency over exact utility costs each month. But you’ll have to budget accordingly.

If not clearly stated, clarify which utilities are covered before signing a lease agreement. Never assume water is included for budgeting purposes.

Handling Past Due Water Bills from Previous Tenants

Outstanding water balances can be tricky when tenants move out. The municipal utility company may pursue the landlord for payment, even if the account was in the tenant’s name.

California landlords often include water in rent to avoid inheriting this liability. As a tenant, make sure you follow proper protocols when moving out:

• Notify utility companies you are closing the accounts.

• Pay any final bills in full to avoid outstanding balances.

• Cancel auto-payments/direct debit for the accounts.

Following move-out procedures prevents the landlord from inheriting unpaid bills you are responsible for.

Key Takeaways on Water Billing for California Renters

• Check your lease carefully to see if water is included in rent or must be paid separately. Never assume it’s covered.

• Watch out for vague, high “utilities fees” that could indicate overcharging. Verify average costs with the water provider.

• Leaky pipe repairs are generally the landlord’s responsibility, unless caused by tenant negligence.

• Landlords cannot legally shut off your water service due to unpaid rent. But the utility company can for nonpayment of your water bill.

• When moving out, close accounts fully and pay any final balances to avoid sticking your past landlord with bills.

With some diligence reading your lease, budgeting properly, and communicating with landlords, renters can avoid major headaches when it comes to paying water bills in California.