105 Mass. Reg. 410.354

Current through Register 1521, May 10, 2024
Section 410.354 - Metering of Electricity, Gas and Water
(A) The owner shall provide the electricity and gas used in each dwelling unit unless
(1) Such gas or electricity is metered through a meter which serves only the dwelling unit or other area under the exclusive use of an occupant of that dwelling unit, except as allowed by 105 CMR 410.254(B); and
(2) A written letting agreement provides for payment by the occupant.
(B) If the owner is required, by 105 CMR 410.000 or by a written letting agreement consistent with 105 CMR 410.000, to pay for the electricity or gas used in a dwelling unit, then such electricity or gas may be metered through meters which serve more than one dwelling unit.
(C) If the owner is not required to pay for the electricity or gas used in a dwelling unit, then the owner shall install and maintain wiring and piping so that any such electricity or gas used in the dwelling unit is metered through meters which serve only such dwelling unit, except as allowed by 105 CMR 410.254(B).
(D) If the owner intends to separately bill the occupant for water or sewer services in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 186, § 22, then the owner must be in compliance with all requirements of M.G.L. c. 186, § 22, including, but not limited to:
(1) Installing and maintaining, when necessary, a water submetering device that measures only water that is supplied for the exclusive use of the particular dwelling unit and only to an area within the exclusive possession and control of the occupant of such dwelling unit;
(2) Installing, or causing to be installed, water conservation devices on all showers, faucets, and toilets in the dwelling unit;
(3) Having a written letting agreement with the occupant that describes the details of the water submetering and water billing arrangements; and
(4) Filing a certificate, on a form provided by the Department of Public Health, with the Board of Health or other appropriate municipal agency charged with enforcing the State Sanitary Code, and signed by the owner under the pains and penalties of perjury, that the dwelling unit is in compliance with M.G.L. c. 186, § 22. The owner shall have a licensed plumber sign the certificate certifying that the water submetering devices and ultra-low-flush toilets have been installed in accordance with accepted plumbing standards and the requirements of M.G.L. c. 186, § 22, and shall attach appropriate documentation to verify the services provided by the licensed plumber. The owner shall also provide a copy of the certificate to the occupants of each dwelling unit with the written letting agreement that describes the details of the water submetering and water billing arrangements.
(E) The owner shall allow occupants to have access to any water submeters that affect their dwelling unit in order to ensure that such submeters are functioning properly.

105 CMR 410.354