Bill > B26-0595

This bill, the Transparent Rates and Utility Expenses Amendment Act of 2026, aims to increase transparency and fairness in how housing providers bill tenants for utilities. It mandates that before a prospective tenant applies, they must receive a clear list of all potential rental charges, including how utility costs will be calculated and allocated, especially if a "Ratio Utility Billing System" (a method using formulas based on factors like square footage or occupancy to divide utility costs among tenants) is used. Tenants will also be able to request copies of the housing provider's utility bills periodically. Lease agreements will need to detail the utility allocation method, provide contact information for any third-party billing companies, and inform tenants of their right to access utility billing information and inspect water submetering equipment or usage records. If housing providers fail to meet these disclosure requirements, utility charges may become unenforceable, and tenants will have a right to prevent eviction for nonpayment or late payment of utilities, utility-related charges, or damages, provided they pay the owed amount before an eviction is carried out, with a minimum threshold of $600 for the housing provider to initiate such a claim.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0595