My husband & I have been renting this home for the past year. We have paid all bills that come to the home, about a week ago, we received a disconnect notice from the sewage company. They were going to turn off the sewage pump and render the home uninhabitable. We found out that we were not receiving the bills b/c the landlord still has the bill in his name and the bills were going to his office address. He refused to pay the bill so we did to avoid being expelled from our home. Can I legally with hold the amount that I paid for that bill from my next rental payment and be assured that we will not be evicted?
2007-11-03 06:05:57 · 7 answers · asked by Michelle D 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If your lease states that the landlord is to pay for your utilities then you might be OK with this (he will try to evict you) in court. If the lease says nothing about the landlord paying your sewer bill this puppy is yours. It was your responsibility to change the name over when you moved in. It was inappropriate for you to expect him to pay it in the first place, let alone try to force him to support you by withholding rent.
2007-11-03 06:21:02 · answer #1 · answered by Landlord 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What does your lease say? If you are responsible for sewage and it says so in your lease then you are required to contact the utility and put it in your name. You would be liable for any bills during the time you lived there. If there is nothing in the lease about sewage or it says the landlord pays then you may be able to pay the bill and legally deduct it from your rent. If you don't have a lease most water and sewer authorities won't put an account in your name.
2007-11-03 06:17:44 · answer #2 · answered by b0bb347 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your question lies in your lease agreement. If you are to pay utilities, then you cannot do anything about this. You should have been paying it all along.
If the landlord is including sewage charges in your lease (doubtful), then you will need to check your state statutes regarding legal withholding from rents. Some states allow for such withholding, while others do not.
2007-11-03 07:37:40 · answer #3 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are required in the lease to pay the utilities (any that the landlord pays will be mentioned in the lease) than you are responsible. If the lease does not state the landlord is responsible for sewage, than it is up to you to place that utility into your name and to ask the landlord the phone number and name of the utility co. so that you can do so. Check your lease
2007-11-03 06:12:01 · answer #4 · answered by lizards 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sure, because of the fact the lease states you decide directly to pay electrical energy. you will have dealt with this lots quicker....i might talk along with your landlord and notice in case you may set up a charge plan - yet ensure you get it in writing! I additionally would not pay till you have the surely expenses on your hand, so which you already know which you're paying the appropriate quantity.
2016-10-14 21:41:28 · answer #5 · answered by launer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally you can, but make sure you have the paperwork to back yourself up.
2007-11-03 06:09:17 · answer #6 · answered by Katie ~ *TTC Baby #1!* 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes, and if you get sued, take it on judge Judy.
2007-11-03 06:11:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋