(a) For the purpose of encouraging water, electricity, and natural gas conservation, pursuant to a written rental agreement, a lessor may charge for the cost of providing water or sewer service to lessees pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-110(g), electric service pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-110(h), natural gas service pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-110(i), or for electricity or natural gas used by a central system pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 62-110(j).

(b) The lessor may not disconnect or terminate the lessee’s electric service, water or sewer services, or natural gas service, nor may the landlord terminate the lessee’s receipt of the benefits of the use of a central system, due to the lessee’s nonpayment of the amount due for electric service, water or sewer services, or natural gas service. (2004-143, s. 4; 2011-252, s. 2; 2017-10, s. 2.2(a); 2017-172, s. 1; 2021-23, s. 27(a).)