We are paying our landlord cash (because he will not accept anything else. That includes utilities.) we found out that we are paying for his utilities along with our own. What can we legally do to him? We want justice!!
2006-08-05 11:11:29 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Your question is lacking in key details.
Has your landlord tapped into your utilities? If he has, call the utility company. They will put a stop to it. Get a call report and proper documentation from the repair people and utility company because you will need it in order to sue your landlord for his useage. The utility company may decide to press charges against him also.
Are the utilities in your name? If so, why are you giving him money for them? You should be paying the utility company directly.
Are the utilities included in your rent? If so, you have no recourse because he isn't doing anything wrong.
Are you paying the utilities yourself and you found out that you are paying for all the utilities in the building/house and not just yours? If this is the case, you may be able to claim consumer fraud and sue him accordingly. Here consumer fraud equals 2 or 3 times actual damages.
Or did you find out that you don't have a separate meter? You may be able to get your own meter installed.
Why oh why aren't people more clear about their situation when they ask questions. Sigh.
Your e-mail address isn't confirmed, so I am unable to respond through yahoo answers to the message you sent me. Here is my response:
Unless you agreed to pay for your rent in cash in your lease, you cannot be forced to do so. If your landlord refuses your check or money order, let him take you to court for non-payment and you can tell the judge that he is refusing your rent. The judge will set him straight.
If your landlord represented to you that you would only be paying your utilities, then yes, you do have grounds to sue.
Your best bet is to get a lawyer who specializes in Landlord/Tenant issues. Make an appointment asap, and bring your lease and copies of the bills with you. Where I live, you could sue under the consumer fraud statute and your actual damages would triple. Perhaps there is a similar law in your area.
2006-08-05 11:30:14 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not embezzeling. If you have a lease and it says that you pay him a certain amount, that is your business agreement. If you do not have a lease, then you have zero legal recourse.
Your option is to move when your lease is up. Or if you have no lease, move right away.
2006-08-05 11:28:47 · answer #2 · answered by kako 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you have a lease and I hope you do, you agreed to rent for a fixed monthly amount....unless the electricity portion of the bill changes monthly, in which case i would ask for proof of usage for your space. You can file suit in Small Claims Court and represent yourself if it's under $5,000.00 but you need documentation to prove your case.
2006-08-05 11:22:10 · answer #3 · answered by Jan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't much that you can do. What he does with your rent money is his business. Would it be any different if he pocketed the cash?
2006-08-05 11:16:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move
2006-08-05 11:19:31 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋