Cal. Civ. Code § 410.200
Provision and Metering of Electricity or Gas
Operative Text
(A) The owner shall provide the electricity or gas used in each dwelling unit unless:
(1) Such electricity or gas is metered through a meter which serves only the dwelling unit
or other area under the exclusive use of an occupant of that dwelling unit, except as allowed
by 105 CMR 410.300(F); and
(2) A written rental agreement provides for payment by the occupant.
(B) If the owner is required by 105 CMR 410.000 or by a written rental agreement consistent
with 105 CMR 410.000 to pay for the electricity or gas used in a dwelling unit or other area
under the exclusive use of an occupant of that residence, then such electricity or gas may be
metered through meters which serve more than one dwelling unit.
(C) Owners shall allow occupants access to their dwelling unit's electrical distribution panel at
all times, except when the owner provides electricity and provides access to the electrical
distribution panel by continuous building management supervision, pursuant to 527 CMR 12.00:
Massachusetts Electrical Code.
(D) If it is determined upon inspection that electricity or gas may not meet the requirements of
105 CMR 410.200(A), the board of health shall immediately notify the local plumbing or
electrical inspector of any possible violations observed.Under 105 Mass. Code Regs. § 410.200, property owners are generally responsible for supplying electricity or gas to each dwelling unit. That obligation shifts to the occupant only when two conditions are both met: the utility is measured through a meter dedicated exclusively to that unit, and a written rental agreement assigns payment responsibility to the occupant. The provision also guarantees occupants continuous access to their unit's electrical distribution panel, and directs the local board of health to notify the appropriate plumbing or electrical inspector whenever an inspection raises concerns about compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 105 Mass. Code Regs. § 410.200, compliant operators ensure that any arrangement shifting utility costs to a tenant rests on two pillars: a meter that serves only that tenant's unit (subject to the exception in § 410.300(F)) and a written rental agreement that expressly assigns payment to the occupant. Owners who bear utility costs themselves may use shared meters, but must still provide occupants with uninterrupted access to the electrical distribution panel—unless continuous on-site building management supervision is in place per 527 CMR 12.00. Keeping metering arrangements and lease terms aligned, and maintaining panel access, are the hallmarks of a property managed in accordance with this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 410.200 of 105 Mass. Code Regs. establishes that a landlord cannot shift electricity or gas costs to a tenant unless both a dedicated meter and a written agreement are in place; if either element is missing, the owner remains responsible for those utility costs. Tenants also have a right under this provision to reach their unit's electrical distribution panel at any time, except in buildings with qualifying continuous management supervision. If you believe these standards are not being met, general enforcement paths include raising the issue with your local board of health—which is required by § 410.200(D) to refer possible violations to the appropriate plumbing or electrical inspector—or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massachusetts housing regulations.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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