Columbus Apartment Association raises concerns over new water billing legislation

The Council Public Utilities & Sustainability Committee meeting held on April 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, focused on significant concerns regarding proposed legislation affecting utility reselling practices and the management of multifamily housing. The meeting featured a presentation from the Columbus Apartment Association (CAA), which represents approximately 250,000 residential rental units across Ohio.

A key point raised by the CAA was the potential criminalization of certain business practices related to utility billing. The association expressed strong opposition to the legislation, arguing that it could penalize property managers who utilize submetering to allocate utility costs fairly among tenants. The CAA emphasized that such measures could lead to unintended consequences, including disincentivizing water conservation efforts and increasing overall costs for residents.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of utility billing in multifamily settings, where a single water line serves multiple units. The CAA pointed out that submetering has historically reduced water usage by approximately 40%, benefiting both tenants and landlords. However, the proposed legislation could force landlords to incorporate utility costs into rent, potentially leading to higher bills and less transparency for tenants.

Additionally, the CAA noted existing regulations that already govern utility billing practices, including requirements for disclosure and the prohibition of self-help measures by landlords, such as shutting off utilities for nonpayment. They argued that the current legal framework provides adequate protections for tenants and that further legislation could disrupt established contracts between landlords and tenants.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between the city and the CAA to promote education on utility billing practices and conservation efforts. The association urged city officials to work together to ensure that any new regulations support both tenant rights and responsible utility management, rather than creating barriers that could harm residents and property managers alike.