Posted: | February 10, 2023 04:28 PM |
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From: | Representative Nick Pisciottano |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Individual Dwelling Unit Water Metering |
In May of 2018, hundreds of Allegheny County residents had their water shut off due to unpaid charges because the homeowner’s association didn’t pay the collective bill for many multi-unit homes. Since there was only one water meter serving hundreds of households in the community, the homeowner’s association would charge the residents for the water service and pay the utility company on their behalf. Unfortunately, the homeowner’s association fell behind on their utility payments and later declared bankruptcy. This resulted in a water shut off for the residents, even though they paid their utility bills. When a single meter is shared between all units, it can create a nightmare for residents and homeowners’ associations, as was the case for these residents. My legislation will amend Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) by requiring the installation of separate water meters for each existing unit of a multi-family dwelling, such as a condominium, before the property is sold. This will protect residents who keep up with their utility payments from experiencing an unjust shut off. This bill will empower residents to monitor their water usage, pay their bill, and not have to rely on others for access to such an important resource. Pennsylvanians who keep up with their utility payments should not be concerned with a shut off due to mismanagement of billing from a joint water meter. Please join me in protecting Pennsylvania residents from unjust shut offs by co-sponsoring this bill. |
Introduced as HB643