Why the landlord pays water

Am I responsible for my tenant's water bill?

Property owners are responsible for any and all water, sewer, and refuse charges incurred by tenant's occupying your property unless you, your tenant, and the City enter into a Landlord-Tenant Agreement. This agreement transfers liability for any and all charges to that particular tenant. The City may require that the tenant pay to the City an appropriate deposit for water, sewer, and refuse services as part of this agreement. Owners interested in this type of agreement should contact Customer Services or consult your local Water & Rate Sewer Ordinance for details. Failure by an owner to comply with the provisions of the Ordinances as they pertain to Landlord-Tenant Agreements shall cause any disclaimer of liability to be null and void and of no effect.

So, the reason most landlords don't charge tenants for water, is because they would have to re-form this legal relationship between landlord, tenant, and city every single time the tenant moved out. I am certain the city has no interest in encouraging this behavior.

Important Decisions Demand ACCURATE Information