City Council bill would grant Baltimore renters access to their water bills

Baltimore renters don’t receive a water bill at the end of each month. By law, city water bills can only be made out to property owners, meaning most landlords tack that balance on top of monthly rental payments. For years, consumer advocates have complained that renters cannot easily view these bills, making them susceptible to bogus charges from landlords. A new proposal seeks to close that loophole. Councilman Kristerfer Burnett introduced legislation at Monday’s council meeting that would require the Department of Public Works to provide inquiring renters copies of any water bills issued to the owner of their residence during the duration of their lease.