The measure, which passed unanimously, requires landlords and property managers to bill tenants for water, gas, and electricity at the same rate the city or utility company charges directly. The ordinance also mandates clearer billing disclosures, prohibiting administrative markups or hidden service fees.
City officials said the legislation aims to protect renters from predatory billing practices that have grown more common across Ohio’s rental housing market. In many cases, tenants in apartment complexes or multi-unit homes received utility bills higher than if they had accounts directly with Columbus utilities.
“This is about fairness and transparency,” said Council President Shannon Hardin in a statement. “Residents should only pay for what they use — not inflated rates that pad someone else’s profit.”
Under the new rules, landlords must provide tenants with copies of their utility rate schedules and itemized statements reflecting actual usage. Violations could result in fines and potential loss of rental licenses for repeat offenders.
Tenant advocacy groups have pushed for the reform for years, describing utility reselling practices as “backdoor rent hikes.” A 2023 investigation by the city’s Department of Public Utilities found multiple property owners adding administrative costs to monthly bills without clear disclosure.
Some property owners expressed concerns about compliance costs and administrative changes but largely agreed the measure provides needed clarity. The council plans to work with the city attorney’s office to create an education campaign for landlords ahead of the law’s effective date in early 2026.
The city’s move places Columbus among a growing list of U.S. municipalities enacting “cost parity” standards for submetering, following similar actions in Chicago, Seattle, and Austin.
“We’re setting a standard for fairness and equity in housing,” Hardin said. “Everyone deserves to be treated honestly — especially when it comes to essential services like water and electricity.”