The San Diego City Council Monday unanimously approved the Residential Tenant Utility Charges Ordinance in a move aimed at protecting renters from unfair utility billing practices.
The new measure prohibits landlords from overcharging tenants for essential city-provided utilities including water, wastewater and waste management services.
The ordinance was introduced and championed by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who has emphasized tenant protections as part of a broader push for economic justice and housing equity.
“San Diego is in the middle of a cost of living crisis, and families across our city are doing everything they can to stay afloat,” Elo-Rivera said. “The last thing tenants should have to worry about is being ripped off for essential services like water. This ordinance is about fairness, transparency, and making sure San Diego works for the people who live here — not just those looking to profit off them.”
Under the new rules, tenants will be protected from inflated pass-through charges and administrative fees related to utilities. The ordinance also grants tenants the right to request and review any utility-related charges, ensuring greater transparency. In addition, the ordinance lays out enforcement procedures and remedies for violations.
City officials said the measure aligns with statewide protections such as Senate Bill 1103, which addresses transparency in commercial leases and furthers the city’s “Create Homes for All of Us” strategic priority.
“This is about more than bills, it’s about respect and transparency,” Elo-Rivera said. “No San Diegan should be kept in the dark about what they’re paying for, especially when it comes to necessities. We are fighting against predatory practices and fighting to build a city that puts people before profit.”
A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting before it becomes law.
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