Water Bill Upcharge Ripoff

[ud07]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: CA

for the past two years I have disputed my waterbill with my landlord. The unit was built in 2006. For a while I did not get a waterbill (agent said don't worry about it is included). Then after a new owner took over 2 months later I got a bill where my usage was double the usage from my old place and the numbers (readings& cost per water unit) did not seem make any sense. water cost was to high and my usage worked out to more than what my friends use at their house with a yard to water. My requests for 'proof' either via showing me the meter or providing explanation of the 'readings' have not been met, and I have gotten different answers about the submetering from the agents.
I have talked to the local utility, and I believe that the complex is using the RUBS method (above unit has about same bill) and they are also up charging the water cost AND overcharging for trash removal. the 'readings' on my bill had no correlation/meaning to the Utility readings for the building.
I have read background paper#27, it would seem that all this would be illegal. However I gotten a notice that since I am late on water bill (billed via AUM billing service) my RENT check will be used to cover the balance and thus I will be handed a UD for underpayment on rent
What can I say to these guys to force the issue of "prove my water usage and or billing formula". I'm also confused about the part where I am responsible for set up and paying utilities and I get a separate bill but they have the power to take it out of my rent. What's stopping them from pulling the same move with my cable or phone bill if I was not pay a disputed bill with those guys

[SChinFChin]

While the first impulse is to call a lawyer, if it was me, I would have a little fun with these guys, call up the "consumer reporter" from one of your local circulation newspaers, or your local TV station.

The other option is to contact your local alderman, councilman, or state assemblyman, state senator, especially if they're up for election this year. Mention the word "ripoff", and you got a case that these guys would love to sink their teeth into, and get votes, particularly if a large number of other folks are similarly ripped off.

I also sounds like a story that would interest a "consumer reporter", as it varies from the "identity theft" stories so common now.

As someone who's gotten help this way, where I get a runaround for months, and then suddenly everrything is taken care of, it works wonders, especially something that they couldn't explain to you had to be explained on TV, or in front of a state committee.

Local consumer reporters normally include their e-mail addreeees in their columns, so find one of these guys, and get a email going. I did so, and got a reply the next day, with the number of the reporter to call him. You'll also be surprised how eager local elected officials sometimes are willing to help. I mentioned this to a friend at work, and when he complained about a problem to his local alderman, the alderman introduced a "noise ordinance" for the town when the police told my friend that someone waking up the whole neighborhood at 3:00AM with a noisy motorcysle is not violating any laws.

Wouldn't it be nice if there's legistation requirng "explanation" of water charges, if no such requirements exist??