Rental property billing information

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) requires public drinking water utilities to bill the property served. Unpaid water bills become a lien against the property served.

Account arrears incurred by an owner or property manager for rental residential dwelling units may be transferred to the home or office account of the owner or property manager.

If a tenant fails to pay a water bill, the property owner is responsible for paying the bill even if the lease specifies the tenant must pay the bill.

We strongly encourage property owners who rent their property to arrange to have the Municipal Services Bill mailed to them for the properties where the tenant pays the water bill, and then forward the bill to the tenant for payment. We also suggest monitoring balances of the accounts via the Milwaukee Water Works website or by calling the Customer Service Center, (414) 286-2830.

The Milwaukee Water Works is required to bill for all water use registered by the water meter, including water wasted by leaks. We suggest property owners make regular inspections of their rental properties to identify plumbing problems or leaks. Landlords should advise their tenants to contact them regarding any plumbing problems so repairs can be made. Plumbing leaks lead to costly water bills and wasted water.