Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority updates billing policy for residential tenants
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority (HMUA) has implemented a new billing policy that will end direct billing to residential tenants and make property owners solely responsible for water and sewer bills.
The change, which took effect October 14, 2025, is intended to reduce administrative time and mailing costs associated with coordinating owner and tenant billing. According to the HMUA, the previous process required significant staff hours to manage paperwork, send delinquent notices to both parties, and handle communication during lien proceedings.
Under the new policy, all water and sewer bills will now be sent only to property owners, either by mail or email. It will be up to the owners to pay the bills directly or pass those costs on to tenants through their lease agreements.
The HMUA emphasized that the transition will occur gradually as existing tenants move out and new tenants occupy rental properties. At that time, a final bill will be issued to the outgoing tenant, and the billing account will transfer to the property owner.
Each rental unit will maintain its own account number and PIN, which can be shared by the owner with tenants if desired. These credentials allow online access to account balances and payment options. The HMUA noted that account information will only be shared with the party responsible for billing.
For more information on the updated billing policy, visit the Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority’s website.
