MarylandHB 02202026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Environment - Water - Individual Submeters

Sponsored By: Lorig Charkoudian (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentReal PropertyApartmentsCommittees and CommissionsComplaintsCondominiumsConsumer ProtectionCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DisclosureEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Fees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHousing and Community Development, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLandlords and TenantsLeases and RentMobile and Manufactured HomesNoticesPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Works, Board ofRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsResidential Property -see also- Apartments; CondominiumsTimeUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWashington Suburban Sanitary DistrictWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Weights and Measures

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger tenant rights for water billing

Beginning October 1, 2026, unpaid submetered water bills are not treated as unpaid rent in eviction cases. Landlords must keep and share water‑billing records and let tenants inspect them during business hours. Tenants can file complaints locally, with county consumer protection, with the Maryland Attorney General, or sue. If a landlord requires third‑party payments, the lease must say so, the bill must be provided at least 20 days before it is due, and before you sign the first lease the landlord must disclose two years of past water costs for the unit or a similar unit. A landlord who does not follow the submeter rules cannot require third‑party payments.

Backstops for bad meters and leaks

Beginning October 1, 2026, submeters must meet state accuracy, testing, and record rules. Each unit meter must include a leak detector, and tenants may inspect it at reasonable times. If a meter lacks good data, billing uses the average of the last three months of the tenant’s actual use, or if not available, a three‑month average for similar units. If a meter is not fixed or replaced for two billing cycles, the owner cannot bill until it works.

Fair rules for submetered water bills

Beginning October 1, 2026, landlords who bill by submeters can only pass through what the water provider charges. Bills must be split by each unit’s actual use. Owners cannot bill for owner‑caused leaks, common areas, or nonresidential spaces. They may add a billing and admin fee up to $1 per unit per month.

Owners and housing agencies may add submeters

Beginning October 1, 2026, local housing authorities may install unit water submeters if approved by state and local authorities. Owners and managers may also add submeters in units that do not have direct water meters. This allows unit‑level water measurement but does not, by itself, change billing rates or who pays.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lorig Charkoudian
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Michele Guyton
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 45

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 11 • Other: 5

House vote • 2/20/2026