My husband and I recently moved to Texas and are renting a townhome. A couple days ago, I received a note from my landlord saying maintenance was going to be using my water supply. I thought that meant the water supply would be turned off for some repairs. Today, I noticed there is a hose from our outdoor faucet leading into the apartment next door. They are actually using the hot and cold water that we will have to pay for. I called the building manager, and she seemed to think I was strange for making a big deal out of it. She said that we could take 2 or 3 dollars off our next rent payment.
Does anyone know whether this is legal, particularly in the state of Texas? They didn't ask whether they could use our water, they just started using it. Surely it would be illegal for me to take water from my neighbors without asking.
2007-02-14 04:56:25 · 11 answers · asked by mrs.mooster 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
By the way, we have to pay for water and for the electricity to heat the water. These are not included in our rent.
2007-02-14 04:59:42 · update #1
what the freak!!!
thats sounds wrong!!!
try contacting the water compny and ask them your question if for some reason they say it is legal ..then cut the water for a few days to see if they like it...you know make a statement!!!
and have the landlord pay half of what youur bill is!!!
thats cmpletely unfair i think that guy is being lazy and a cheapskate!!!
2007-02-14 04:59:55 · answer #1 · answered by A. RMZ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it just cuz you were the nearest source,a day or two will not matter. But I would think since you are paying for the water you can shut it off too. And you did give permission for the maintenance to use the water in a way, since you never called and said no. You know how stupid laws work. Ask how long it will be for too. Remember, you make a big deal then when maintenance comes over, you might get screwed. That is how people are. Find out what the water is for. And you can always unplug it after say 6 PM. Find out what time the maintenance guy quits.
2007-02-14 05:03:03 · answer #2 · answered by Big C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are paying for your own water, then NO, the building management cannot tap into YOUR supply line and use water for another apartment, or anything else. Generally, when renting, the water is included in the rent. Are you SURE you are paying your own water bill, because if it is indeed included, then you DON'T have a leg to stand on. Of course the building manager acted dumbfounded that you were making a big deal out it, and that is because she KNOWS it's illegal for her to have authorized this if in fact you pay water separately from the rent. This would be akin to the management company coming in and splicing into your cable, electric, or phone line. I would (A) Get a locking cover for my outdoor faucet (they have them), or turn off the water to that particular faucet from inside your unit, and (B) send a CERTIFIED LETTER to the building management stating that you will be taking whatever the additional cost of water was off your next monthly payment (include a copy of your water bill and perhaps the bill before that to show the difference). BTW: Watch out for answers here becaus emany have no clue as to what they are babbling about. Notic ethe one poster who stated: It's not illegal but unlawful. That is the same thing. They start typing and their brains (if they have them) shut down.
2007-02-14 05:03:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your landlord is out of line.
Unless this kind of use of your water is spelled out in your lease or renters agreement, the landlord is, in effect, stealing from you, and can be made to stop this practice.
However, if you like the place and intend to continue living there, it would probably be in your best interest to (at lest initially) talk politely (but firmly) to the landlord/management about your objections.
If it sounds like this is just very short-term and won't be repeated, you may decide to forget about making an issue of it.
But if they tell you that there are some compelling reasons for them to continue to use your water, you should have them sign a written statement to the effect that you can deduct a certain amount (your best estimate of the cost of your hot water) from your rent.
2007-02-14 05:19:54 · answer #4 · answered by clicksqueek 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No its not..he can't use the water and charge you for it especially for maintance. I would call the water company and ask for an invoice that states how much water was used on those days he is hooked up and then submit a copy to the rental office for a refund.
He can not charge his tenants for his repairs unless..its in the form of a rental hike the next time you sign your contract.
Sounds Wrong.
You can always call Free legal aid services for your area and ask them as well.
2007-02-14 05:03:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is not legal. It's kinda like them splicing into your cable or phone line.
First, make sure that the faucet out front is, in fact, connected to your water meter.
Compare your electricity and water bills to previous months and deduct the difference from your rent. I hope you went outside and took pictures, too, just in case you need proof that it happened.
2007-02-14 05:03:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is legal at least in my state i had a landlord do the same thing but he figured out the bill for the month before he started and the month that he used it and just paid what the extra was. ask if he will do that because you know it will be more then 2 or 3 dollars check your bills and let him know.
2007-02-14 05:06:12 · answer #7 · answered by giggles3625 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your landlord is using your water and electric, she/he should reimburse you for it. Keep track of the number of days they use it. Take the bill and divide it by the number of days you are paying for and multiply the days they used it by this number. That is what the landlord should reimburse you for. Like if the number of days were 28 that you used it and the bill was $56.00 divide that and you get $2.00 not if the landlord used it for 3 days, she owes you 6.00 on that bill do the same for elec. and water.
2007-02-14 05:05:08 · answer #8 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, its not legal for them to use. They're technically stealing from you.
Disconnect the hose and put a lock on the valve so it won't turn-- and then watch when they suddenly think it IS a big deal. HA.
2007-02-14 05:28:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not illegal but unlawful.You can simply disconnect the supply.No one has the right to use your water source payable by you without your express consent.
2007-02-14 05:01:55 · answer #10 · answered by chiratai 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋