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Guide Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts utility billing and RUBS: what landlords should know

By MeterEase · Updated

Massachusetts allows separate water and sewer charges through submeters that meet the state’s requirements. M.G.L. c. 186, § 22 and the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410.130) set out the equipment, low-flow fixtures, written rental agreement and board of health certification required, and state guidance says it applies at the start of a new tenancy.

What the Massachusetts sources say

  • A licensed plumber installs submeters measuring each unit’s exclusive water use, plus the common areas, meeting accuracy standards (M.G.L. c. 186, § 22(b)).
  • The landlord certifies compliance to the local board of health, including water conservation fixtures, before charging (§ 22(c); 105 CMR 410.130(C)).
  • The written rental agreement for a new tenancy describes the submetering and billing arrangements (105 CMR 410.130(C)(3)).
  • The same rules apply to sewer charges calculated from the same meters (§ 22(c)).
  • An owner may not shut off water because a separately billed water charge is unpaid (105 CMR 410.130(D)). Tenants of public housing developments may not be charged for water (§ 22(s)).

Each point links to its source at the bottom of this page. Rules change, and cities, counties and utilities can add their own. Read the source before you rely on it.

Common lease and disclosure practices

  • A written rental agreement at the start of a new tenancy describing the submetering and billing.
  • A copy of the board of health certificate given to the tenant with the rental agreement.
  • Bills showing readings, usage and rate, as described in Department of Public Health guidance.

Electricity and gas

Section 22 covers water and sewer. For electricity or gas, check your lease and local rules and your utility’s terms.

How to split it fairly

Where a formula split is allowed, pick one method, put it in the lease, and use it every month. Water tends to follow the number of people, so occupants or a blend of occupants and square footage is common. Trash is usually split equally per unit. Take common-area use out first if your rules call for it, and never bill tenants more in total than the master bill plus any fee your rules allow.

Not legal advice. This page summarizes public sources in plain English as of the date above. It is not legal advice and does not mean any billing method complies with the law for your property. Check your lease and local rules, and talk to a Massachusetts attorney if you are unsure.

Other states

Run this split every month without the spreadsheet

MeterEase reads the master bill PDF, applies your method and vacancy rule, and emails each tenant their share with the source bill attached, after you check the numbers. Plans start at $14/month.

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Questions

Can Massachusetts landlords charge tenants for water?

Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 22, through submeters that meet the statute’s requirements, with low-flow fixtures, a written rental agreement and a certificate filed with the board of health. This is general information, not legal advice.

Does Massachusetts law mention splitting water by formula?

The statute and regulations describe billing from submeters. Read § 22 and 105 CMR 410.130 for the details.

Can existing tenants be switched to separate water billing?

Department of Public Health guidance says separate water and sewer billing starts with a new tenancy.

Related guides

Sources

Example numbers on this page are made up to show the math. This guide is general information, not legal advice; rules differ by state, city and utility.