States/Arizona/Utility Billing
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Arizona renter guide

Arizona Apartment Utility Billing, RUBS & Admin Fees

Arizona has a specific residential utility-billing statute. A landlord may separately bill gas, water, wastewater, solid waste or electricity through submetering or a ratio utility billing system, but the lease, allocation method, administrative fee and bill format must follow § 33-1314.01.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited
Billing methodsSubmeter or RUBS

The statute authorizes both methods for listed utility services.

Admin feeActual administrative costs only

The landlord may recover provider charges plus an administrative fee for actual administrative costs only and may not impose additional charges under subsection B.

Lease disclosureRequired

The rental agreement must list separately charged utilities and specify the amount of any associated administrative fee.

Existing-tenancy noticeAt least 90 days

Before beginning submetering or RUBS for an existing tenancy under the statute.

What an Arizona utility bill should show

  • The utility charges for the billing period.
  • Opening and closing meter readings and dates when the billing method uses a submeter.
  • The amount of any administrative fee.
  • For RUBS, enough lease information to identify the allocation method used.

Arizona lists several RUBS allocation methods

Section 33-1314.01 allows allocation per tenant, by livable square footage, by unit type, by number of water fixtures, by individually submetered hot-water usage for water/wastewater, or by another method that fairly allocates the charges and is described in the rental agreement.

If the billing disclosure or admin fee is the problem

The statute says a tenant alleging noncompliance with subsection B must first object in writing to the landlord regarding the utility billing. If the dispute is not resolved, the statute provides for a civil complaint in justice court to enforce the section.

Documents to compare

  • Signed lease and utility addendum.
  • Current and prior utility statements.
  • The disclosed RUBS formula or submeter readings.
  • Underlying provider charges when available.
  • Written notice if the billing method was added during an existing tenancy.
  • Any written objection and landlord response.

Compare this issue across states

Local and factual details matter. This page summarizes the cited statewide sources. Lease wording, local rules, dates and evidence can change the analysis of a specific charge.

Official sources

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