MarylandSB 01302026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Environment - Water - Individual Submeters

Sponsored By: Shaneka Henson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentReal PropertyApartmentsCommittees and CommissionsCondominiumsConsumer 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 RecordsSewageTimeUtilities -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

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger renter protections on water bills

Beginning October 1, 2026, unpaid submeter water bills cannot be treated as unpaid rent for eviction. Owners must keep submeter and billing records and let you inspect them during reasonable business hours. You can file complaints where the property is located with a local landlord‑tenant board, a county or city consumer agency, the state Consumer Protection Division, or in court.

Clear rules for third party water billing

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you must pay a third party for submetered water or sewer, the lease must say so in writing. The landlord must give you a copy of the bill at least 20 days before it is due and, before you sign, show two years of past costs or a comparable unit’s totals. A landlord who does not follow the law’s submeter rules cannot require third‑party payments.

Fairer split of building water bills

Beginning October 1, 2026, if your building is on one bulk meter and uses submeters, the owner may only pass through the utility’s actual charges. The bill must be split by each unit’s actual water use. Owners cannot charge you for their leaks, poor maintenance, common areas, or any non‑residential space.

Small $1 monthly submeter admin fee

Beginning October 1, 2026, the owner may add an administrative charge up to $1 per unit per month for submeter billing. They may charge less, but not more than $1.

Billing rules when your meter fails

Beginning October 1, 2026, if a submeter does not give accurate data, the owner may bill using the average of your last three months of actual use. If there are no such records, they may use three months of estimated use from similar units. If the submeter is not fixed or replaced for two straight billing cycles, the owner may not bill you until it is repaired or replaced.

New rules for water submeters in rentals

Beginning October 1, 2026, local housing authorities may install unit water submeters with state and board approvals. Owners or their contractors may add submeters in units that are not directly metered. The state sets accuracy, testing, and recordkeeping rules at least as strict as utility meters. Each submeter must have a leak detector, and you can inspect the detector from time to time.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shaneka Henson
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 48

House vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 37 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/23/2026