Delegation backs state bill to regulate private apartment water meters after consumer‑protection probe

A Montgomery County delegation work session on Feb. 10 discussed a state bill to regulate private, landlord‑installed water meters after a consumer protection investigation found malfunctioning meters, retroactive estimated bills and excessive fees at a 25‑unit North Bethesda apartment complex known locally as The Grama.

Kathleen Boucher of the Office of Intergovernmental Relations summarized the proposal, saying it would permit landlords to install individual water meters but create a regulatory scheme requiring allocation of charges proportionate to each unit's actual usage, bar landlords from passing along costs tied to poor maintenance or leaks, and prohibit administrative billing above the cap noted in the delegation memo. Boucher said the bill also requires record‑keeping accessible to tenants, forbids including unpaid water charges in eviction rent calculations, and outlines tenant complaint options. "It allows landlords to install the individual water meters, but establishes a lot of rules to ensure tenants are treated fairly," she said.

Council members expressed support for the bill and thanked the county Office of Consumer Protection for its investigation. Council member Stewart called the measure "a great example of our county government working with our state delegation," and the chair recorded general assent to move the item forward.

The delegation did not adopt detailed amendments during the work session; staff said further regulatory work on implementing rules would involve the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Department of Housing and Community Development as the bill contemplates.

Next steps: the delegation will track the bill as it proceeds through Annapolis and the county indicated support to the sponsor and affected state delegation members.