Understanding water and sewage billing in Pittsburgh rentals can be confusing because the arrangement depends on how your building is set up and what your lease says. The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) provides water service to the city, but how tenants pay for that service varies widely. This guide explains the different billing methods, your rights, and what to look for in your lease.
The Two Main Billing Scenarios
Individually Metered Units
If your apartment has its own water meter, your usage is measured separately from other units in the building. In this case, you can set up your own account directly with PWSA and receive bills in your name. This gives you the most control over your bill, as you pay only for what you use.
To open an account, you will need to complete an Application for Service with PWSA and provide proof of tenancy, such as a copy of your lease. Once your account is active, PWSA will bill you directly. If you are income-eligible, you can also apply directly to PWSA’s customer assistance programs, which offer bill discounts and hardship assistance.
Non-Individually Metered Units
Many older multi-unit buildings in Pittsburgh do not have separate water meters for each apartment. In these buildings, the landlord typically receives one master water bill for the entire property. The landlord then allocates the cost among tenants using one of two methods:
Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS). With RUBS, the landlord divides the total water and sewer bill among tenants based on a formula. Common allocation factors include the number of occupants in each unit, square footage, or number of bedrooms. The lease must clearly state that RUBS will be used and how the costs will be divided. For example, a lease might specify that water and sewer charges will be allocated based on a RUBS formula and added to your monthly rent.
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Flat utility fee. Some landlords charge a flat monthly fee that covers water and sewer, regardless of usage. This provides predictability, but you may pay more or less than your actual consumption.
Submetering. Some landlords install their own submeters to track each unit’s usage. The landlord reads the meters and bills tenants for their consumption. Pennsylvania allows submetering and RUBS billing for water. However, with submetering, the landlord must still pay the master bill to PWSA and is responsible for ensuring the overall account is current.
Your Rights as a Tenant
Right to continue service. If your landlord fails to pay the PWSA bill and service is at risk of termination, you and other tenants have the right to prevent termination by paying the charges for the previous billing month. This right applies whether your unit is individually metered or not. If you pay to prevent termination, you can deduct the amount from your rent or seek reimbursement from the landlord.
Right to direct billing. If you have an individually metered unit and your lease makes you responsible for the water bill, you can sign up for direct billing with PWSA. You do not need your landlord’s permission to do this. This ensures you receive bills directly and have control over your account.
RUBS disclosure. Landlords must clearly disclose RUBS billing in the lease. If your lease does not mention RUBS or does not explain how the costs will be divided, the landlord may not be able to charge you for utilities this way.
Itemized bills. If you are charged through RUBS, you have the right to request a detailed breakdown of how your share was calculated. You can also ask for a copy of the master utility bill from the landlord.
What to Look for in Your Lease
Before signing a lease, read the utility section carefully and look for:
Who is responsible for water and sewer. The lease should state whether the tenant or landlord pays the water and sewer bill. If the tenant is responsible, it should specify how you will be billed (directly, through RUBS, or as a flat fee).
The billing method. If the landlord uses RUBS, the lease should explain the formula used to allocate costs. A vague statement like “utilities are allocated to tenants” is not sufficient. The method must be clearly described.
Any additional fees. Some leases include administrative fees for utility billing. Ask about these upfront.
When utilities are included. If water and sewer are included in the rent, the lease should state that clearly. In this case, you typically will not pay an additional water or sewer charge.
Common Billing Arrangements in Pittsburgh
Tenant responsible for water and sewer through RUBS. Many apartment leases state that water and sewer charges will remain in the landlord’s name and be allocated to the tenant based on a RUBS formula. You will pay these charges monthly in addition to your rent.
Flat utility fee covering water. Some properties charge a flat monthly utility fee that covers water, sewer, and sometimes other utilities.
Water included in rent. In some older buildings or smaller rentals, the landlord includes water and sewer in the rent. This simplifies your monthly budget, but you may not have a direct incentive to conserve water.
Tenant pays directly. If your unit is individually metered, you may have your own PWSA account and receive bills directly. This is less common in multi-unit buildings but is standard in single-family home rentals.
Key Takeaways
- Check your lease. The lease should clearly state who pays for water and sewer and how charges are calculated.
- RUBS is legal but must be disclosed. Landlords can use RUBS, but the method must be clearly described in the lease.
- Direct billing is an option for individually metered units. If your unit has its own meter, you can open your own PWSA account.
- You have rights if your landlord does not pay. You can pay to prevent termination and deduct the amount from your rent.
- Ask for itemization. If you are charged through RUBS, request a breakdown of how your share was calculated.
Understanding how water and sewage billing works in your building helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Before signing a lease, confirm the arrangement with your landlord and read the utility section carefully.
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