For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed as follows:
(1) "Housing provider" means a property owner, lessor, property manager, or property management company that offers residential property for lease or rent.
(2) "Individual meter" means a residential unit with a meter affixed to it that is used to monitor the consumption of water, gas, or electricity.
(3) "Original bill" means the utility bill provided to the housing provider by a utility for a specific unit or residential unit.
(4) "Tenant" means a lessee of residential property or a person whose name appears on a lease indicating that the person is an occupant of the residential property.
(5) "Third-party billing" means a form of billing where an intermediary handles the invoicing and payment between a housing provider and a tenant.
(6) "Unit" or "residential unit" means a living space or combination of rooms designed to provide independent year-round living facilities for one family or household, with provisions for sleeping, eating, and sanitation.
(7) "Utility" or "utilities" means a provider of water, gas, or electric service that is regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission or a local governmental subdivision or owned or operated by a local governmental subdivision.