‘I can’t afford no $400 a month water bill’: Atlanta renters say they’re being overcharged for water they didn’t use. Here's how to fight utility billing errors and protect your finances.
For more than a year, Atlanta resident Kevin Mayes has watched his water bill climb higher and higher. He initially tried cutting back on his usage, hoping the bill would decrease, but it didn’t. “I can’t afford no $400 a month water bill at all,” Mayes told WSB-TV. With no explanation for the sudden surge in charges, he felt stuck; it was either pay or face a service shutoff.
Mayes isn’t alone in his plight. Many other renters at Peyton Place Condominiums also claim they have received inexplicably high water bills from Jasber Utility Services, the company responsible for their water accounts. Frustrated tenants report unanswered calls, and even WSB-TV struggled to reach the company as their voicemail was full. Now, both residents and landlords are searching for answers.
What’s Driving the Higher Bills?
As Mayes and his neighbors dig for answers, his landlord, Michael Shepard, confirmed a thorough check of the unit yielded no leaks. “I don’t believe there’s any rhyme or reason with the water usage,” Shepard shared with WSB-TV. Another landlord, Anthony Herring, is feeling the sting too, stuck covering an unpaid $600 bill because his tenant refuses to pay for water they didn’t use.
Adding to the residents’ frustrations, Jasber Utility Services has been unresponsive. An investigative visit led to a postal service building in Forest Park, raising suspicions. Complaints haven’t just been local; the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has dinged Jasber with an 'F' rating, citing excessive charges and poor customer service.
It's alarming to note that when trying to access the Jasber Utility Services website, a browser warning appears indicating it's not secure. A YouTube video from 2016, featuring a supposed Jasber representative, classifies the company as a 'submetering' provider—a controversial practice that places separate water meters on each apartment rather than relying on one main line. Commenters on the video label the company a scam, echoing concerns that many residents share.
Steps to Combat Stunning Utility Charges
Facing unexpectedly high utility bills can be daunting, but there are steps to dispute erroneous charges and safeguard your finances
- Check for Leaks: Leaks are often responsible for high water bills. Sometimes, subterranean leaks can go unnoticed but still accumulate substantial charges. Hire a professional to inspect your property both inside and out.
- Inspect Your Water Meter: Faulty meters can lead to overbilling. Turn off all water in your home, and see if your meter is still running. Then, turn on several faucets. If the meter remains static during high usage, you might be wrongly connected.
- Report Issues Promptly: Begin by addressing problems with your landlord or utility provider. If there is no response, escalate the complaint. File claims with the local housing authority, consumer protection agency, or the BBB. Some cities also have tenant advocacy organizations that may assist you.
- Document Everything: Keep records of your utility usage, past bills, and conversations with your landlord or utility company. If you've cut usage but your bill continues to rise, your documented evidence can support your case.
- Negotiate Payment Plans: If faced with an unreasonable bill, request a payment plan or a temporary reduction while the dispute is handled. Certain companies offer budget or levelized billing to prevent seasonal spikes.
- Know Your Rights: If you face wrongful disconnection or inflated charges, legal options may be available. Consulting with tenants’ rights organizations or a legal expert can illuminate your path forward.
- Avoid Late Fees & Credit Issues: If disputing a bill, try to make partial payments when feasible to stave off penalties. Unpaid bills can lead to collection actions that harm your credit.
High Utility Bills and Your Budget
High utility bills can wreak havoc on your finances. Staying persistent in your pursuit of a resolution and maintaining detailed records can empower you to fight back effectively. Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial, especially when facing uncooperative service providers like Jasber Utility Services. Securing your financial health is key, while awareness of your rights can assist in managing and disputing utility costs effectively.
By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the murky waters of high water bills in Atlanta, protect yourself from utility billing errors, and ensure that you are not paying for water you didn’t use. Residents deserve transparency in their billing and the freedom to challenge unexplained charges, ensuring they spend only what they truly utilize.
With persistence and by leveraging proper channels, renters can not only defend their rights but also contribute to holding utility companies accountable. Don’t underestimate the power of documentation and assertiveness in resolving your utility disputes.