S.B. No. 348 - Summary

• Establishes comprehensive regulation of public utility service reselling by landlords, park operators, and unit owners associations through new Chapter 5325 of Ohio Revised Code.

• Requires proprietors and their agents to measure utility service through master meters, submeters, or public-utility-owned meters and use one of four specified allocation methods: actual consumption, market-based rates not exceeding local residential rates, fixed rates, or ratio utility billing systems.

• Imposes disclosure requirements including acknowledgment forms to consumers before lease execution containing billing methodology, estimated costs, submeter status, and common area charges.

• Permits termination of utility service for nonpayment following public utilities commission rules and establishes that utility service termination is not constructive eviction under landlord-tenant law.

• Provides civil remedies allowing consumers to recover treble damages and attorney's fees for overcharges, with safe harbor provisions if proprietors refund overcharges within 30-90 days of notification or discovery.