bills after moved out?

Question

I moved out of the apartment 2 month earlier than my lease and I paid
off my rent up front. But my utility bills still comes for these two
months. My water bill is through the landlord, so I understand I may
have to pay until the end of the lease because they may have some kind of contracts. But for electricity bill, it is a different issue. I opened account with local utility when I moved in and closed when I moved out. I do not understand why my landload turned on the electricity after I left and still asked me to pay for that period.

What should I do? Thanks.

Answer 1

the utility companies should have turned off the utilities when you gave them a "turn-off" date. if the landlord had them turned back on, it should have been done so in their name and not yours. take this issue to the utility company and tell them that it should have been turned off in your name on such and such date and that the landlord had it turned back on in your name. if they don't help, then SUE.

Mom of B & D

Answer 2

Contact your local electric company and tell them that you have not been at the residence since such and such a date. Let them know that you contacted them before about the service termination, but you are still getting charged.

If the electricity was in your name and the landlord reactivated it without your permission - get proof from the electric company (ie when was the request made, who made the request) and get this in writing.

Go first to your landlord to attempt the settle the dispute (do this in writing. If nothing is done, then file a complaint with your local housing board, Better Business Bureau, and Consumer Protection Agency).

When you moved out, was the water payment discussed or is it in writing as to what you are responsible for? If the place was empty, how would there be a bill if there was no usage? If the place was rented right away, why are you paying for the bill?

I'd suggest writing to your landlord and asking them the questions about the water bill. Send the letter via certified mail.

Me, I wouldn't pay the water bill unless it was clearly specified in the lease that even though I left, I was still responsible for the water bill until the end of the lease. I wouldn't pay for something I didn't use.

I had to move a lot with my last job. Some landlords really try to pull fast ones and you have to stay on top of them.

Answer 3

Since you said you closed the account yourself, you shouldn't have to pay for any electricity since it was not through your landlord. You say that the landlord turned on the electricity, it seems like he/she did that him/herself so payment of the bill should be his/her responsbility. Bring your bills from previous bills to your landlord and explain that you closed the account and you are not responsible for the electricity bill. If your landlord continues to be belligerent, you may have to face them in Small Claims Court. As long as you keep all your records (i.e. closing day receipt), you should be fine.

Then again, double check your lease agreement and make sure there isn't some clause that might hurt you. Then again, if you had to get your own electricity turned on, that shouldn't be a problem. Still double check it though.