Can a house that has other units attached only have one meter for PG&E?

Question

I live in a 2 story house, in the back theres a studio attached, the garage has also been made into an apt, then there is a one bedrm apt attached to house. We all share one PG&E meter. I was told to put it in my name because I live in house. I get the bill, and Im to pay 60% then divide the rest 3 ways. I dont think its fair that my bill goes by how much usage the other tenants use. The one bdrm apt has 5 people in it. If they decide not to pay or move out, then Im stuck with their bill too. The landlord should have separate meters for each unit. I cant get her to do anything about it. Is it illegal whats going on, who can i call. I called PCU and PG&E and they dont know. I tried to contact the county and they are backed up and sending me forms. We are in an unincorporated area. None of this house is up to code, the staircase is a safety hazard, and I injured myself, and she (owner) says she doesnt have insurance. I also have to have garbage, and water in my name.

Answer 1

It all depends on what your lease says. If your name is not on the electric bill- there's nothing legally binding you to pay anything for the utility bill other than what your lease agreement says- and I hope you didn't sign a leas agreeing to this way of handling the bill.
Your landlord can charge you whatever they want to lease you the building, and if you agree to pay it, you are responsible for paying that amount. Sometimes lease agreements can include the cost of utilities, and sometimes they don't- and the usual provision is that you get the utilities listed in your name- if your lease says you are paying for yor own utilities.
So- chek your lease to see of you agreed to pay the utility bill. If you did agree on the lease to pay the bill, then you should have the utility bill put the bill in your name- and then it would be up to you to decide who pays how much.
With all the other things wrong with the house, and the shady way you have been asked to handle the utilities, the better thing to do might be to involve the housing authority, and get out of that lease if they don't correct these issues.
Make all your communications with your landlord in writing, keep copies and document every conversation, and always pay your rent on time, you can't withold rent money for dissatisfaction with the property, and check with the county as to how you get out of a lease when the house is not up to code- this varies through different jurisdictions.
Good luck- and try to read the fine print next time.

Answer 2

Whatever reason prompted you to get involved with this situation needs to be examined again. Do you have a lease? If not, you could theoretically charge the other tenants whatever you want to because the power bill is your debt and they would otherwise be stealing from you. The liability concerns for all involved in this mess could be nightmarish if anything happens to the fly-by-night landlady. If you can, BAIL! If not, contact someone in Harrisburg.

Answer 3

she should put all of that in her name and collect herself!