If another tenant tapes into your cable line and causes you to be charged for expenses incurred by them, who is responsible? And what course of action can be taken?
2006-10-11 01:37:33 · 7 answers · asked by beckah 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Normally the utility service will credit your bill and then go after the other person for theft of service.
You need to tell the cable company first and don't let on to the other tenant that you know what is going on. They need to catch them in the act, and believe me they prosecute. I know one guy who got *****-slapped with thousands of dollars in fines for stealing cable from someone.
This is between the cable people and you, and the cable people and your neighbor. Your landlord has no authority in this situation.
2006-10-11 02:27:58 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The utility company would argue you both are. If you knew of the situation and allowed it, you are liable, and could face conspiracy to defraud charges. If you did not know about it, or permit it, you would plead not-guilty and outline what steps were taken to resolve the issue when you did find out. If you are both jointly listed as tenants, you could have the landlord resolve the problem, or if not, have the sub-tenant resolve the issue or move. If you did not know about it and it resulted in financial penalties, you could seek reimbursement in small claims court. You cannot seek reimbursement if you knew about it or permitted it. Check with a local attorney if the problem doesn't resolve, or you are notified of criminal charges.
2006-10-11 01:51:55 · answer #2 · answered by Sir Ed 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, discuss the intrusion, not the bill with the utility companies. If you discuss the bill at the same time you may get negative results. They should work with you to contact the proper authorities and enable you to prosecute and collect any expenses that they caused you. They are pretty serious charges I do believe.
2006-10-11 01:48:58 · answer #3 · answered by DeltaQueen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, the utlity/cable/phone company should be notified because their services are being stolen and their stuff tampered with. They will definately press charges. Now you may have to jump through a few hoops to get the extra charges taken off your bill - the first hoop is turning the guy in to the company whose stuff he is messing with. Also call the cops and file a complaint and get a copy of it.
2006-10-11 01:42:44 · answer #4 · answered by APRock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say if you have physical evidence (like the bills) you have a good chance for a greivance in court if the charges are more than I believe $100
2006-10-11 05:12:29 · answer #5 · answered by nate_oddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
definitely call the cable company and tell them. they dont like theives and will charge the guy who did it, possibly even a police report.
2006-10-11 01:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by Kutekymmee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other tenant is responsible, and you should talk to your landlord.
2006-10-11 02:25:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋