Frequently asked questions
What are the laws regarding sharing utilities?
By state law, an owner must disclose to tenants that utility meters are shared before a lease is signed.
However, some cities, like Oakland, do not allow sharing of utilities
Section 10.1.10 of Rent Adjustment Board Regulations Appendix A
By state law, an owner must disclose to tenants that utility meters are shared before a lease is signed.
However, some cities, like Oakland, do not allow sharing of utilities
Section 10.1.10 of Rent Adjustment Board Regulations Appendix A
- When more than one rental unit shares any type of utility bill with another rental unit, it is illegal to divide up the bill between units.
- Splitting the costs of utilities among tenants who live in separate units is prohibited by the Public Utilities Commission Code and Rule 18 of PG&E.
- The best way to remedy the bill is to install individual meters. However, if this is too expensive, then the property owner should pay the utility bill
and build the cost into the rent. Here is a link to Appendix A