MO HB761

Property owners receiving water and sewer services from public utilities may charge lessees separately for water and sewer usage either through individual meters or mathematical formulas for allocation.

Owners using separate meters must disclose on each lessee's bill their individual usage charges, meter readings at the beginning and end of the billing period, and the dates those readings were taken.

Owners using mathematical formulas for allocation must provide lessees with a clear written description of the formula prior to lease commencement.

Total water and sewer charges billed to lessees cannot exceed the amount the owner is charged by the public utility, including taxes and surcharges; owners may charge reasonable administrative fees and late payment fees (deemed rent) if disclosed beforehand.

Property owners and third-party billing providers handling water and sewer billing are not considered public utilities or water corporations under state law and are not subject to Public Service Commission jurisdiction.