My landlord just installed a smart water meter in our apartment without asking. Now they're saying water bills have to be split based on individual usage instead of being included in rent like it was for the past 3 years. They want me to pay an extra $40-50 a month. Is this legal or can they change the agreement like this?
What state or country are you in, since the rules vary pretty dramatically by location?
In most places, a landlord can't unilaterally change the terms of your lease mid-way through - water being included in rent is part of your agreement, and they'd generally need to wait until renewal or give proper notice (usually 30-90 days depending on your jurisdiction).
That said, some areas do allow landlords to switch to individual metering if they follow specific procedures and provide adequate notice. Your best move is to check your local tenant rights laws or contact your state/local housing authority, and pull out your lease to see what it actually says about utilities.
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