I'm trying to figure out if this is is even legal. My apartment complex, where I have lived for 4 years, came under new management very suddenly (I'm talking notice on the 29th that they would be taking over on the 1st) at the end of 2019. At that time and through September 30th, we have been billed submetered for water and sewer. Trash was included in the rent, but we paid extra for valet service.

Now, as of October 1st, they have switched the utilities to being allocated from a master meter reading. On submeter, my monthly usage was approximately 6000 gallons a month. I live alone in a 1 bedroom apartment. With the master meter method, they are claiming my usage is now over 12000 gallons a month, literally doubling my utility bill. In addition, they have also shifted the cost of actual trash service by our county to the residents—-so we are now charged twice for the same service.

In my lease, it does say in regards to their billing of the utilities that we (the landlord and myself) agree that this method is fair and reasonable, and understand there may be some allocation of common utilities...so essentially the sprinkler systems and some overflow from my neighbors.

However, I do not think that a 100% increase could be defined as "fair and reasonable". I know I am not the only one who experienced a sharp uptick, because there was a line out the door of our leasing office on the day we received our statements, and they sent an email out basically saying "tough luck" this morning.

Do I have grounds to seek legal action based on this?