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Paying utilities for the Apt complex as a portion of the whole. (i.e. 10 apartments so you pay 1/10th of the bill. Can they do this?
State/Country of Question: California Already Tried: They do not have individual meters for each apt I have talked to the apt managers and they referred me to the property owners who I can only leave messages for. So I have not paid the bill hoping they will talk to me.
Thank you for contacting our JA team for guidance.
Yes. If you signed a lease allowing the landlord to apportion the utilities in this manner, they are permitted to do so. I would want a copy of the bill before I paid my 10th however. Some buildings have units that are not individually metered and therefore, this is the only reasonable option a landlord can take.
If you did not agree to this, then you may be able to break the lease and move out if the utilities are unreasonably high.
Please let me know if you need additional information.
Best regards XXXXX XXXXX
TG
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I never agreed to joint utilities in the lease. The apt complex paid for the water and gas when I first moved in and now they have started this new way of paying a portion of the bill.
I see. Since you have not agreed to this, you can demand that you receive your own utility bills directly from the utility company or you will give your 30 days to move out. The landlord cannot unilaterally change the method of billing without your agreement.
All the best to you.
Lawyer
JD, BBA Over 20 years legal and business experience.