I live in a duplex which is heated by propane. He then figures out how many gallons all tenants uses and then divides it in half and gives us the bill. I feel this is wrong but I cannot find the law on it. Also he cannot verify how many gallons we use. I do not heat my house over 65 and I know the other tenant kept hers at 80.
So does anyone know my rights about this? What can I do to pay for my fair share only?
2007-10-02 02:22:02 · 6 answers · asked by lauracdvip 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
like yo I disagree with this,someone is always going to be paying someone else's usage and thats not fair. I would dispute it but than be afraid that I would find an eviction notice on my door. I woudl probably just look for another place to live.
Are they leglally considered 2 separate dwellings? if so I woudl imagine he is breaking the law of some sort on sharing one meter for 2 swellings. can you call the propane company and ask them? make it annonymous so you don't get into trouble.
2007-10-02 02:25:42 · answer #1 · answered by zipperfootpress 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did the landlord rig up 2 thermostats off of one propane feed without a separate means of metering other than half's? It sounds odd and you might investigate how the propane pipes into the individual sides of the duplex and if it is regulated in some other way. Are any other appliances in the duplex using propane as an energy source? Sometimes not just a furnace uses propane as an energy source.
Consider all appliances in your side of the duplex that have a pilot light.
If there are no logical answers to other possible uses of propane in your unit and IF your lease says the propane bill will be divided 50/50 between the units, you're stuck paying it as it's presented.
The only way you could 'possibly' justify a difference in what you pay opposed to your neighbor is if more people live in her unit.
If you're stuck paying half, then consider turning your thermostat to a more comfortable setting to suit your needs.
In the meantime, look for another place to move to a few months before your lease has expired. Make sure you find out about how utilities are paid. Plus, take into consideration any other quirks you found annoying in other places you've lived, too. Make a list of conditions and specifications you're willing to live with and/ or without, such as, closet space, appliances included, smokers nearby, storage, garage, extermination services, etc. Take that list with you when you look at a new place and refer to it OFTEN. This will help you to ensure you don't overlook another annoyance that you're locked into until another new lease expires.
2007-10-02 10:12:40 · answer #2 · answered by quisp007 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The requirement that there be separate electric metering for apartment units is a city or state law. Propane is often a rural or small town usage, so there may not be a law at all depending on the state you live in.
One thing that is true is that in duplex or apartments, heat leaks from one place to the other. I lived one place where my neighbors were so extreme in their temperatures that I simply turned my unit off for several months in the spring and fall because they heated or cooled my place by the several degrees needed to be comfortable. Of course our utilities were part of the basic rent.
Start by finding out if propane can be metered by calling a propane delivery company. It may be that the only way would be to have separate tanks.
2007-10-02 09:31:46 · answer #3 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the house is in City limits, there may be an ordinance that prevents a rental within a single family resident. Therefore, having more than one electric meter would alert everyone to the fact that the owner is out of compliance. (I'm living with a building inspector of 16 years)
Check with your City Inspections & Codes Office.
What's in the lease with the agreement to utilities?
How can you have 2 termostats with one meter? That may be a question for someone in HVAC.
2007-10-02 10:02:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Legally he can do this, who said fair comes into play here? You signed the rental agreement.
Might be time to look for a new place when your lease is up.
2007-10-02 09:27:42 · answer #5 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, once a lease is signed, you agreed to the landlord's terms.
There's nothing you can do, except see if landlord will let you out of your lease.
2007-10-02 09:30:25 · answer #6 · answered by Drew 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋