I live in an apartment! Someone has set up electricity service in there name but under my apartment #? Help?

Question

I couldn't write much because of the space provided above! I moved into my apartment set up Electricity service. I did not receive a bill called the company they said my service had been cut off. I resolved the problem found out someone in the apartment complex had set up new service under there name with my apartment #. I let the apartment complex know. They explained that there was nothing they could do because they did not deal with the electricity. We got a knock on the door from the lady who had made the mistake with 4 bills she had paid for our apartment. She has not been paying electricity under her apartment because the complex has been paying it and did not know. We had to transfer our electricity service to someone we did not want to because of her mistake plus pay two start up fee's. What do we need to to do? Doesn't seem like the apartment complex wants to get involed and I don't want to pay the lady. I've been through hell trying to get this resolved! HELP!!!!

Answer 1

my question is why is the apartment complex paying for her bills and not yours? Why was your electric turned off if it had been paid by the other lady? If the electric was under your apartment number shouldnt you have been getting the bills not her?

I would just contact the company you want to use and tell them what happened. They should be able to transfer her service to the right apartment, than you should be able to turn yours on. I think that you are going to have to pay the lady though. Why should she foot the bill for your electricity. Ask her to provide you with all the statements for the electric for the four months she was paying it.

Answer 2

I've had to deal with the electric company many times and they accept the information from anyone and it's tough luck for you. I had a person apply to rent an apartment with really bad credit. I had no intention of renting to her because of the credit and she didn't make enough $ to live there. She called the electric company and they turned off my service and put the service in her name. They came around a lot quicker when I asked if they had a different address for her because she didn't live in the apartment and I don't pay bills that aren't in my name. While they tell my tenant five to fifteen days to connect service, they had it fixed the next day. Amazing what they can do when they want to.
What is puzzling is that you say you didn't get a bill and the lady that made the mistake came with four bills. That means you didn't notice you didn't have an electric bill for months I would tell that woman that she needs to contact the electric co and get the bills straightened out and have you rebilled under your name. The co should straighten it all out without any inconvenience to you. They should even offer you payments since it isn't your mistake. They will give her a credit and charge her for her use at her apartment and bill you for your usage. I would not give anyone I didn't know cash because you can lose it. It's not a big deal, just a stupid mistake.

Answer 3

Talk with the electricity company first tellt ehm to sort there clerical side out properly. You should be providing evidence that you actually live in the apartment to be able to get a electricity account or show that you live at the corresponding address that you want the electrical usage for. Talk also witht he person who set up the account and get her to write down date and sign a letter stating what mix up she had done and what her new account details are so tehy can do a track off her movements. The letter itself should exempt you from any extra costs. Also if you get a letter from the complex stating how long the lady who had incorrectly been using your apartnumber has been present at her own address as well as one from them stating how long you have been there ( using your tenancy agreemeny might be easier) should dissolve the issue. Why? simple her account details should correspond to her living arrangements if it doesnt then they hooked the power up to the wrong place. Thats an issue to be sorted out between the electric company and her. If they still hold you accountable small claims court is your next step.

Answer 4

I'd be reluctant to pay the lady. Or not pay here until I was sure that those bills were really for your apartment.

its possible this whole mess started when the lady accidentally told the electric company that she lived in your apartment.

Can't you call the phone company, insist that you live in the apartment, and that you want the service in your name immediately?

I would contest the start up fees. Or deduct them from what you pay the lady.

Whenever you talk to the electric company take notes, and get the name and phone number of the person that you talk to. If they don't do what they promise, call back and complain or talk to their supervisor. Many of the calls are recorded.Be persistent.