CA SB7

Requires landlords with submetered water service to disclose water billing practices to tenants in writing before executing rental agreements, including estimated monthly charges and payment procedures.

Limits charges on water bills to volumetric usage, fixed service charges, administrative fees (capped at $4.75 or 25% of usage charges), and late fees; prohibits landlords from charging tenants for water purveyor penalties or disconnection fees.

Obligates landlords to investigate and repair leaks, faulty fixtures, and abnormal water usage within 21 days; provides tenant bill adjustments if repairs exceed 21 days or remain unresolved for 180 days.

Requires newly constructed multiunit residential and mixed-use structures with water connections submitted after January 1, 2018, to install individual water meters or submeters for each residential dwelling unit, with exemptions for low-income housing, health care facilities, and student housing.

Establishes submeter installation standards requiring compliance with California Plumbing Code and use of licensed contractors or registered service agencies; preempts local ordinances adopted after January 1, 2013, that regulate submeter types or installation, effective January 1, 2018.