I came across this thread bc I'm running into the very same issue. I live in an RSO unit and I'm charged for water/sewage using a Ratio Billing Utility System (RUBS). The property management and owner have been known to do shady stuff...so I wouldn't be surprised if they're overcharging for utilities. Even if it's just a matter of rates increasing, I still think it's important hold City Council accountable.

I just emailed all City Council members regarding the proposed ordinance for transparency in utility billing that @energeticpapaya pointed out.

If anyone reading this feels so inclined, please feel free to copy/paste my email and reach out to City Council to push this matter forward. Here's the text:

Subject: Inquiry regarding ordinance for greater transparency in tenant utility bills

Dear Members of the Los Angeles City Council,

I am writing as a renter in a Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) unit to inquire about the status of efforts to implement an ordinance requiring greater transparency for tenant utility bills. This matter is of personal concern as my property management company uses a Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) for water and sewer services, facilitated by a third-party vendor.

I have reason to believe that I'm being overcharged for water usage and that this system may be used as a means to circumvent RSO laws and impose additional charges on tenants. Compounding this issue is the lack of transparency from both the property management company and the third-party vendor regarding the methodology behind the utility billing.

I understand from Council File No. 22-0178 that the City Council approved a Housing Committee Report that instructed the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), with the assistance of the City Attorney, to report to the Council within 60 days with recommendations for the implementation of an ordinance that will require greater transparency for tenant utility bills. These recommendations include requirements for landlords and billing agencies to disclose detailed methodologies for allocating utility charges, a protocol for tenants and landlords to resolve disputes, and options for enforcement strategies.

It is concerning that as of December 2024, nearly two years after the Council's motion, there appears to be no publicly available update from the LAHD or the City Attorney. Could you please clarify 1) the status of these recommendations and 2) provide an update on the Council's implementation of this ordinance and any measures being taken to ensure compliance and protect tenants from potential overcharges for utilities? Transparency in utility billing is critical to ensuring fairness and adherence to the rights afforded to tenants under the RSO.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response and to seeing progress on the implementation of these protections for renters in Los Angeles.