questions & answers

Question: I was charged almost 500 dollars in water usage, but the landlord does not want to have someone come check the meter that is owed by them and is also charging a service fee on top of the water bill every month, and I was told by that they are not supposed to be making money of the water they are only supposed to charge what the city charges them and not make a profit out of it. Is it true they can't make a profit and how can I proceed legally on my 500 dollar water charge if I know I don't have any leaks that could originate that 500 dollar charge?

Answer: A.R.S 33-1314.01 has very specific rules concerning how a landlord charges for utilities. He is allowed to charge an administrative fee in addition to the actual utility bill. However, that fee must be strictly for the actual administrative costs and must be disclosed in the rental agreement. No other charges are allowed. If something is not operating properly, either the meter or some other part of the plumbing system, the landlord is responsible to maintain it (A.R.S. 33-1324).