We rent a home in Idaho. The house has a garage apartment attached, which is rented as a separate unit. Since both residences are on the same meter, we, in the main house, are required to pay the utilities for both units. I just recently found out that this may not be legal. I know it's not in Kansas where we are from. Is it legal in Idaho?
2006-12-26 02:49:45 · 10 answers · asked by Sarena M 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I just called the Consumer Protection Commision. The guy there was not very helpful and told me that he was not aware of any law prohibiting this, but if I wanted to file a formal complaint, they would investigate. I don't want to do that until I know what our rights are. I don't necessarily want to get the landlord in trouble. I want to give him the opportunity to remedy the situation before I make anything formal. Any advice?
2006-12-26 04:19:20 · update #1
Unless it was disclosed to you that you would be paying the utilities for the entire property (apartment included), it's probably a violation of your states consumer fraud statute.
Here in NJ you would be entitled to 3 times the amount you paid as long as it was not disclosed to you.
What does your lease say? Does it say that you are responsible for ALL utilities to the property? If it doesn't, shell out the money for a consultation with a landlord and tenant attorney in your area to find out what options are available to you.
2006-12-27 04:21:58 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know for sure, but where I live, it's illegal too. My friend has a few properties he rents. Each property is a duplex house. He is required to have the houses inspected by the city prior to renting them. If he doesn't, he can be reported and fined. The city sends out notices of random inspections. If he's sited for something, they give him 30 days to fix it. One time during an inspection, the inspector noticed in the basement that the washer is hooked up to the lower tenant and the drier was hooked up to the upper tenant. The tenants were well aware of this and had no problems. But, the inspector told my friend he can't do that. He told him to fix it within 30 days. So, my friend unhooked them both and put a sign on the washer and drier that said "do not use". When the inspector came 30 days later, he gave the okay and left. Right after, my friend connected the washer and drier again, one to the lower tenant, one to the upper. You should contact your city and find out what's legal and not.
2006-12-26 03:13:02 · answer #2 · answered by ☆skyblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see why it should be legal anywhere! If that is the set up then the landlord should be paying the utilities for both units and recouping it in the rent. What incentive does the garage apartment have to conserve if you are paying for their lights?
2006-12-26 02:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by PRS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I Don't know about Idaho, but in Oh. yes. Most landlords just jackup the rent to compensate, also when looking for new renters it is attractive to see all utilities included. Good luck.
2006-12-26 02:55:22 · answer #4 · answered by zart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all and sundry must be prepared to pay their share of despite it may be. basically because of the fact he's "boyfriend" would not entitle you to a loose holiday. you should be prepared to make contributions to the fees. Paying "hire" sounds strange tho. despite the fact that, kin companions looks to propose which you ought to pay "hire" to stay there. If a real boyfriend, this would not sound like a good courting. Him asking you to help with utilities or a loan could sound prevalent, yet no longer "hire" pondering there's no loan. You first could desire to learn your adulthood first. Why are you residing with some guy once you could no longer legally get married. Your courting is strange first of all. in case you like a courting to final, attempt doing it the terrific suited way. advance up, get to know somebody, fall in love, and then get married. Your courting will stand an more advantageous possibility of lasting than your contemporary one.
2016-11-23 17:50:10 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call the city and ask for the legal rights of renters, also was there a contract drawn up once they moved in?
Becareful becuase in some areas they can be given 6 months of free rent when asked to leave find out your rights as a home owner/renter
2006-12-26 02:55:38 · answer #6 · answered by Juleette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe this is legal in any state. Contact your landlord and ask him to have the apartment separated. If he refuses, contact a lawyer.
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2006-12-26 02:51:29 · answer #7 · answered by FozzieBear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
different states o have different laws about this, so check in your state before you threaten your landlord, but then once you know your rights, use them.
2006-12-26 02:55:02 · answer #8 · answered by badneighborvt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it isn't legall, if they rent it as 2 seperate units, it needs seperate utilities period.
2006-12-26 02:58:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it in your lease/rental agreement that you will pay all the electric utilities?
2006-12-26 02:54:02 · answer #10 · answered by jack w 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋