The proposed bill seeks to regulate shared-metered utility services in residential buildings in Minnesota by introducing new definitions and provisions that enhance tenant protections and clarify landlord responsibilities. Key definitions include "landlord," "tenant," and "shared-metered residential building." Landlords are required to install submeters that meet specific standards, base utility bills on actual readings, and provide detailed billing information to tenants. They are also prohibited from charging tenants for administrative costs related to submetering unless due to tenant negligence. The bill establishes consumer protections, allowing tenants to dispute inaccurate billing and requiring landlords to investigate such claims.

Additionally, the bill amends existing landlord-tenant laws to ensure that landlords are the bill payers for utility services and prohibits them from removing tenants from utility accounts. It outlines protections against utility disconnections during cold weather or medical emergencies and mandates landlords to notify tenants of impending disconnections. The bill also requires landlords to inform tenants about potential energy assistance programs annually and clarifies conditions under which a tenancy can be terminated for non-payment of utility services. It repeals previous regulations governing billing in single-metered buildings and sets an effective date for the new provisions starting January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.022, 216B.098, 504B.285, 504B.215