Renter paying electric bill?

Question

I have learned that the electricity for my neighbor's studio apartment is run off of my electric meter which means that I am paying his electric bill. I just moved in a month ago and received my first electric bill which was $160. The landlord has offered to reimburse me $40 a month toward the electric bill.
I think it is illegal to have one tenant pay for another's electric bill but cannot find that written anywhere. Who would I contact to complain about this? The electric company? Can they help? We do not have any type of renter's association to go to.

Answer 1

Hey at least your landlord is offering you reimbursement! :) Most wouldn't. Ask them if they would consider installing a seperate meter so that the electricity accounts can be charged justly and without you paying the full load. Or ask the Landlord to put into writing a percentage that the studio apartment should pay.
I don't believe it's illegal as such but certainly unfair. Have you talked to the neighbour to find out why he's not offered to contribute.

To tell you the truth I think accepting the payments from the owner would be just as good aas nothing. It costs a fair bit to put in a second meter...or so I'm told.

Answer 2

I have dealt with this issue in Texas. The new renter has to show some evidence that they are not the same people that ran up the previous bill. Ask the electric company what kind of evidence they need- probably a new lease showing the new name. Maybe needing something from the landlord stating what happened to the old renters. In Texas the electric company would have to try and get the money from the old renters- not you.

Answer 3

Definitely go to the electric company. They can verify whether or not FOR SURE that both are run off the same meter. (Its always best to be safe). If it is in fact the case, you can look in your rental agreement if it states you are to pay for another persons electricity. It probably isn't in there. If that all adds up, you have a legal option as well. For a smaller amount such as this, it wouldn't make sense to take it to court, but for a fee, a lawyer may be able to sit down and have a consult with you and even contact your landlord. They tend to listen to lawyers. You can also take the case to a local Housing authority. But hopefully just a nice phone call from a lawyer should do nicely, and maybe even result in a WRITTEN contract about the bill.

Answer 4

You should definatly contact the electric company, they would probably try to get him to put in a second meter. It is probably against some zoning law as well as being illegal if not stated in your lease. I would not accept the $40 from your landlord because he could use more than that in electric and you are stuck with the bill.

Answer 5

It's not illegal for you to pay the electric bill. It is illegal that he withheld this information. He is trying to save the money of making the change. He is probably violating the city building code.That's a good place to start.

Answer 6

This is a zoning issue. If the apartment does not have a meter it is not a legal apartment and dwelling is most likely zoned single family residential. He could get some hefty fines if caught.
Go to your local building and zoning office and report it there. Their offices are most likely located in or near City Hall.

Answer 7

I think your landlord is just trying to be cheap, because I would bet that it's his responsibility to buy the second meter.

So this other tenant hasn't been paying for electricity at all?

Answer 8

I would call your electric company and find out if there is anything that they can do. If nothing else, get it in writing that your neighbor's apartment runs off of your meter. Take a copy of to an attorneys office and have them take care of it for you.

Answer 9

There probably aren't any statutes covering this beyond those of "fraud" if it were not disclosed. It's a matter of contract.

Answer 10

Move.