Sometimes, renters (also called tenants) are responsible for paying a property’s utility bills. Sometimes it’s the landlord’s responsibility. Sometimes it’s shared. Your lease should make those terms clear. If you don’t have a lease, and your landlord isn’t paying the water bill, you can apply to become a tenant water customer.
If your landlord is supposed to pay the water bill –but doesn’t– you might face a water shutoff. If this is your case, a law called the Utility Service Tenants Rights Act (USTRA) can help you keep water service turned on.
In Philadelphia, the Department of Revenue collects water charges and fees. We also comply with USTRA. The law allows you to:
- Keep water on by paying monthly bills directly; and
- Subtract your water payments from the rent.
The first step in the process is getting “certified” by the Water Revenue Bureau. This includes verifying that you are the tenant at the property. You must do this in person at one of our three walk-in centers. You will need to fill out an application, and provide several documents. These include:
- At least one, valid government-issued ID
- A valid lease, rent book, or rent receipts
- Recent utility bills in your name (such as gas or electric)
- A water meter reading
Tenants who use USTRA, but then fail to make monthly payments, risk being shut off.
For more information about USTRA, becoming a water customer, and more, please call (215) 685-6300.
Photo credit: Edna Winti / Flickr
