Water Submetering in Maryland
According to Maryland Public Utilities Code §7-303, a local housing authority established under Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article may, with the approval of the Commission, install submetering systems for any combination of apartment houses, commercial rental units, dwelling units, office buildings, and shopping centers.
While utility billing for multifamily residential communities is permitted in Maryland, several local restrictions may apply. Fees associated with these services are either prohibited or allowed only under strict local regulations. Water and sewer billing are not regulated at the state level but may be subject to local restrictions.
Water Submetering Regulations in Maryland
Here are the key points to understand:
- Water submetering involves installing equipment to measure individual water usage in each apartment building, office, manufactured home or commercial site.
- Property owners or managers may charge up to $1 per unit per month to cover submetering administrative and billing costs.
- Submetering equipment must meet Commission standards for accuracy, testing, and record-keeping.
- Tenants or commercial occupants can file submetering complaints with local or state agencies, such as landlord-tenant commissions or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Additional information on Water Sub-metering in Maryland**:
**This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, and there may be other state and local regulations to consider.
Why Water Submetering is Growing in Maryland?
Water submetering is gaining traction in Maryland, thanks to its clear benefits for both property owners and tenants. One of the main advantages is that it allows property owners to recover water costs more efficiently, which increases both net operating income (NOI) and property values. With rising water prices, submetering ensures tenants pay only for what they use, encouraging more responsible water consumption and fairer billing practices.
As Maryland sees an increase in condominium complexes due to the demand for affordable housing, many of these properties are only master-metered for water. This means water costs are bundled into HOA fees and spread evenly to all the individual unit owners. This leads to increasing and uncontrolled HOA fee leading to frustration among various owners and residents. Submetering offers a more fair alternative by billing each resident individually based on their actual usage, while also promoting water conservation.
Modern submetering systems are equipped with advanced connected technology, allowing for automated, remote meter readings. This not only saves time but also reduces the chance of billing errors. These systems can also detect leaks early, a crucial feature in Maryland, where water conservation is important. Swift leak detection can prompt for repairs and prevent water waste and damage.
Given Maryland’s diverse climate, submetering systems must be robust. With Delaware’s cold winters, pipes can freeze resulting in damage to the local infrastructure and property.. It’s important for property owners to choose submetering solutions that can withstand these conditions. Some connected systems come with temperature sensors that alert owners to potential freezing conditions, helping prevent damage before it occurs.
The increasing use of water submetering in Maryland is driven by cost recovery and reduction for owners, fair and accurate billing for tenant, advanced features like timely leak detection and water conservation.
Benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution
Explore the multifaceted benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution, from financial savings and operational efficiencies to environmental conservation.
- Enhanced Expense Recovery: By accurately recovering water costs, operating expenses can be significantly reduced—this is especially crucial as water rates and fees increase.
- Boost in Property Value: Lower operating expenses can increase Net Operating Income (NOI), leading to higher property valuations.
- Remote Meter Reading: This feature allows for remote monitoring and automated reading of meters, streamlining operations and enabling quicker detection of issues.
- Leak Detection: Quickly detecting and resolving leaks prevent extensive water wastage and financial losses.
- Efficient Water Use: Access to detailed water usage data helps residents reduce waste and optimize their water consumption.
- Accurate Billing: This system ensures tenants are billed fairly based on water usage, promoting transparency and accountability and fostering better relationships.
- Data-Driven Decisions: The insights gained from the system support informed decisions about water policy and infrastructure improvements.
- Conservation Incentives: State mandates and local incentives often encourage the adoption of water submetering solutions.
- Environmental Benefits: Regular droughts and a growing population continuously strain our water resources, making conservation a critical concern for everyone.
Key Steps to Prepare for Water Submetering in Maryland
Proper preparation is essential for water submetering in Maryland-
- Compliance: Start by checking local regulations and lease agreements to make sure submetering is allowed and to understand any local advantages or restrictions.
- Choosing a Provider: It’s important to pick a reputable submetering company. Consider factors like their ability to handle monthly meter readings, maintenance, and billing over the long term.
- Installation: The setup involves installing the submeters, integrating usage data into the system, and preparing it for billing.
- Informing Tenants: Give tenants plenty of notice about the new system and any changes to their billing. Clear communication helps ensure they understand and cooperate.
- Billing System: Whether you’re installing a new or existing system, it needs to bill tenants accurately based on their monthly water use. This ensures fairness and transparency in billing practices.
FAQs
What is water submetering?
Water submetering is the practice of installing individual water meters for each unit in a building to monitor and bill water usage accurately.
How does water submetering benefit residents and property owners?
This system allows for accurate, individual billing, encouraging water conservation among tenants and ensuring property owners can fairly distribute water costs.
What are the initial steps to install water submeters in a property?
Start by confirming compliance with local regulations, selecting a reputable provider, and coordinating the installation of meters in all units.
How are water usage charges calculated with submetering?
Water charges are calculated by measuring each unit’s consumption through its meter, ensuring tenants are billed only for the water they use.
Who should I contact for maintenance or issues with my water submeter?
Contact the submetering service provider for any maintenance needs or issues with the submeters. They are responsible for ensuring operational accuracy.