S.F. No. 5448 - Shared-Metered Utility Service Bill Summary

• Establishes comprehensive regulations for submetering and utility billing in shared-metered residential buildings, requiring landlords to comply with Public Utilities Commission authority and meet American National Standards Institute standards for all submeters installed after January 1, 2025.

• Mandates detailed billing disclosures including submeter readings, rates charged by utility providers, administrative charges, taxes, and bill credits, with bills provided at least as frequently as landlord receives utility bills.

• Prohibits landlords from charging tenants for submeter installation, maintenance, repair, or reading costs unless caused by tenant willful, malicious, or negligent conduct; caps administrative billing fees at $8 per billing period.

• Requires landlords to investigate tenant complaints about inaccurate submeters and provide refunds for overcharges within six months or bill undercharges with mandatory payment plans; limits late fees to 1.5 percent per billing period.

• Prohibits landlord disconnection of tenant utility service for non-payment and establishes tenant rights to pay current utility charges to prevent building disconnection, with expanded protections during cold weather periods and medical emergencies.