Apt Complex now charging for water usage

[SlackZac]

My apartment complex just recently started charging a water/wastewater bill. I don't have a problem with them charging for water usage. I do, however, have a problem with how they determine the charrge. Since my apartment complex does not have individual water meters on each apartment, they have decided to bill us based on number of occupants. They divide the water bill they receive from the city by number of total occupants and then allocate the charge per person to the apartment. They give no regard as to whether the apartment has a washing machine (some do, some don't), # of bathrooms, etc. I am wondering if this is a legal way to charge for water. It seems to be a rather arbitrary way to decide the cost. Plus, they are not lowering our rent, and to me it seems that I am paying twice for the water, since my rent was determined based on water/wastewater being included in the rent. I live in Austin, Texas.

 

[djdj]

well if you have a lease they CANNOT charge you extra for water, untill the lease expires, and then it must state that all tenants will pay a pro rata share of the water bill it will have to be included in the new lease.

Also if you dont have a lease, they can add the water charge with a 30 day notice...