I would like to find a way to find out some things about the house I'm renting. It was built in 1994 (that's what the landlord said). Is there a way that I can out things, like find out if it was indeed built in 1994 & what kind of insulation was put in it, what kind of windows are in it, etc? The reason I ask is because I've just lived here, not 2 months yet. I got my first full month's electric bill & it is $210! We've had a hard time keeping it cool in here. The CH&A unit is a little too small for this size house. I researched & found that out. The landlord didn't want to update it to a new unit. He said I had to keep in mind it was 90 degrees outside. Said no one else had ever complained about it not getting cool enough. So the unit has been running 24/7, it never got to the right temp to cut off. I asked if that would run the electric bill up. He said no. I need 2 find out info about the house 2 confront him with. Also, is there a "renter's law" somewhere, so I cn knw my rights?
2007-09-22 08:44:59 · 5 answers · asked by Me in TN 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
County tax records will tell you when the house was built and who owns it, but that is about it. As far as information about insulation and window I suggest you hire a home inspector if you really want to know, but it will cost you more than your power bill. I would be happy to point you in the right direction about renter's law but that is a state issue and don't know where you live. I do suggest you contact your state attorney general because it sounds like your landlord might be guilty of some type of misrepresentation. Your county housing authority may be of help to you determining your "renters rights"
2007-09-22 08:57:55 · answer #1 · answered by linkus86 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not a government entity that I am aware of that maintains records of what types of construction materials were used.
Hand him your research on the unit and that it is not adequate to cool the home without non-stop operation of the CH&A unit. Of course constant operation is going to run up your electric bill. If you had the hot water running constantly, that would run up a utility bill also!
Your renter's rights in this instance will be very limited, as A/C is not considered a necessity for quiet enjoyment of the property. Your landlord probably is aware of this, hence his reluctance to upgrade the unit. There are local housing authorities and landlord/tenant mitigation agencies in most locations, check the county directory in the phone book.
2007-09-22 17:28:37 · answer #2 · answered by godged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you are, we have had some extremely hot days this summer -- lots of record highs. My AC was running constantly this year and my electric bills reflect that.
Also take into consideration that high elelctrical usage periods often result in higher cost per unit. So even if the actual usage is normal, the cost could still be a lot more.
2007-09-22 17:16:37 · answer #3 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whoa, I've been through something similar. The county assessor would not give me any info. I ended up calling a Fair Housing Authority who could gain access and help me out. The number is in the government pages of the phone book. They also give great advice. Good luck, and don't give up.
2007-09-22 15:56:39 · answer #4 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can go to the county tax records online for the county the house is in and put in the address or owners name. You can also look in the county appraisal district website. That is what we use in the mortgage business.
2007-09-22 15:52:42 · answer #5 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋