Columbus regulates Utility Reselling to Protect Renters

The Columbus City Council has passed new regulations governing utility reselling, aiming to shield renters from excessive charges for essential services like electricity and water. The unanimous 9-0 vote on December 8, 2025, marks a shift from previous considerations of an outright ban on the practice.

The newly adopted ordinance directly addresses concerns about middlemen – landlords or third-party companies – who often add markups to utility costs passed on to tenants. Key provisions of the regulations include a prohibition on charging tenants more than the rate charged directly by the utility provider.Additionally, the ordinance establishes limits on administrative fees that can be applied to utility bills.

To ensure transparency and accountability, landlords and utility resellers are now required to provide tenants with clear, itemized bills detailing all charges. This will allow renters to easily understand their utility costs and identify any discrepancies. The regulations are intended to create a fairer system for renters and prevent exploitative pricing practices within the city.