Landlord Charging for Cistern Water >2x WAPA prices

Truc water priced differently or WAPA connection??

legal ? - probably  -- Rain is Free !!

Neither, this is cistern rain water that's metered. Rain isn't free - in my case. This is the basis of my post.

• What does your lease state in regards to water?   It’s been so dry and getting trucked water can be expensive.  I pay $240 for 2000 gallons.  Which is a lot more than WAPA rate.   

Here on STX, we just had 3,500 gallons delivered to our cistern for $350, so roughly $.10 per gallon.  Not sure how that compares to what you are being charged.  

Our lease doesn't mention it since the landlord just started it one month randomly. We used to only pay when we needed to fill the cistern with a water truck (everyone on the cistern split the cost), but now the landlord is profiting from it a lot on any rainy months.

Maybe landlord is trying to make  more wasteful users pay more instead of  everyone * split the cost * ??

I have a water meter on my rental unit and charge the cost per gallon from Mario Water PLUS 50%. It matters not whether its rains and I get a windfall of free water. That's my bonus not the tenants.

Likewise, I have invested in solar so I charge the tenant the same residential rate as WAPA even though my energy is basically free because my system is paid off.

Renting apartments is a taxable business and a reasonable profit is expected on every input.

Water and energy are becoming a very scare commodities due to climate change so you can expect to pay more for them as time goes by. Some areas of the US have already run out of water.

Here's a link to the USVI Code 2019.

2019 US Virgin Islands Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

Posted by: @gators_mom

Here's a link to the USVI Code 2019.

2019 US Virgin Islands Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

 

Just to save the OP the bother of looking, he'll find nothing in VI Code regulating utility costs for tenants or for that matter, much else regulating landlord/tenant agreements.

Your lease agreement is the governing document for your charges.  It's highly unusual that it would allow changes to utility charges, or to rates in the middle of a lease term.  If you have a dispute speak with your landlord direct.  His costs have zero to do with what he can charge you if you've both agreed in the lease document to the specific terms.  

More than likely the landlords costs have gone up considerably on many items related to the unit including taxes, insurance, and maintenance during the lease term, but he cannot increase your rent mid-term, so likely he is looking for ways to recoup costs.  Regardless, unless you inquire and just pay it, then you've tacitly accepted the charges. 

The good news is you're free to seek alternate accommodations at the end of the lease term if you're unhappy with the arrangement, but I think a simple conversation normally solves most issues.    

there hasnt been much rain lately-is water being trucked in to fill the cistern???? ask to see the bills

I agree the cost of trucked water is about $0.10 a gallon.  I also agree that having a conversation with your landlord is the best first step.  The lease is also the key document for any discussion.  It’s not unreasonable for the landlord to charge for trucked water, is there any language in your lease on water cost?  Lastly, it has been very dry and trucked water is expensive and it’s $300 to $400 out of his pocket at delivery.  Not taking sides, the lack of rain is hard on everyone.