Don’t own your apartment, house, or condo? Not a problem. You can still get water service in your name so you can get help with your water bill. Many Philly renters don’t realize this is an option. But as a tenant, you can’t access certain bill services when the water account isn’t in your name. Here’s a simple guide to becoming a tenant water customer so you can get all the help you need.

Why you should become a tenant water customer

The Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) allows tenants to become the customer responsible for their accounts. This means the water bills will come directly to you instead of your landlord. The best part is that when you become a tenant water customer, the following bill-related services become available to you:

  • Setting up payment plans
  • Calling the Meter Shop
  • Applying for help to lower your bill
  • Disputing charges, and
  • Requesting a penalty waiver.

Here’s what you need

The first step to getting water service in your name is getting permission from the property owner or landlord. This permission is usually in the form of a lease, a letter, or a court decision—you only need one. The lease must specifically say you’re responsible for the water bill.

If you only occupy the property – meaning you don’t have a rental agreement or lease with the owner – you’ll need proof that you have permission to live there. This could be a notarized letter from the owner. If the owner is deceased, we need a letter from the executor or administrator.

There’s a difference between a tenant and an occupant water customer: Tenants have leases or rental agreements with property owners; occupants have permission from the property owner or have inherited the right to live in the home. Occupants don’t necessarily need a lease or rental agreement.

You’ll also need:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license.
  • Rent payment receipts or a copy of your lease as proof of residency.
  • A current utility bill in your name showing the property’s address.

If you don’t have a scanner, take pictures of your supporting documents with your phone, and email them along with your application.

Applying is easy

Since tenants and occupants are two different groups of applicants, we’ve streamlined the process by creating two separate forms. Visit our “Become a water customer” webpage:

  • Select “Tenants” or “Occupants” for guidance on how to access and complete each form.
  • Spanish and Chinese versions are also available!

Multiple ways to submit

You can email your completed application to wrb.contactintake@phila.gov or drop it off at one of our three municipal services centers.

If you’d rather mail it in, send your application to:

City of Philadelphia
WRB Intake / CU – 3rd Floor
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Getting water service in your name can make managing your water account easier — even if you’re renting. Call (215) 685-6300 if you have questions or need help.

Apply to become a water customer today!