I agree with you the wording seems confusing. However, being a landlord myself for over 30 years I believe I can shed some light on this. In multi-family buildings there can sometimes be a main electrical box and then sub meters to individual units. There may also be a wall of service panel boxes for each unit in the building. The landlord's responsibility takes place from this spot to the utility companies connection at the service connection at the street. In an emergency like the fire dept. needing to shut down service they need quick and easy access. They have keys to locked utility service rooms. Residents should not have any need to access these areas and are therefore not allowed. Vandalism or pranksters could cause problems if access was open. Individual locks on each panel would be a bad idea since multitudes of locks would have to be accessed.
Dennis (cut2it)
C&onstructi&on C&onsultant
Over 40 yrs. as General Contractor for new const. & remodel - retired with time for you.
So are you saying the building is only a two family dwelling? Landlord in one unit and you in the other?
Dennis
Two family dwellings do not come under the "exception" rule. The landlord should not have this area locked or at least you should have a key. What are the electrical issues you are referring to? Also since the landlord is not dealing with maintenance issues you may need to pursue another course of action to make her comply. If you like I could advise you on this course of action also.
Dennis (cut2)
This does sound suspicious. Her boy friend may have does something incorrectly by accident or intentional that has caused such a dramatic rise in your electric bill. If the work was done without a permit you certainly do have a right to have the work inspected. Simply contact your local building dept. electrical dept. and inform them of the situation. They will definitely have a safety concern and make the inspection. Besides informing them of the "no permit" taken out be sure to explain the severe increase in your utility bill. A method to check on this is to turn off all electrical devices, lights, etc. in your unit and then take a look at the meter. It should not be turning at all. If it is the answer is obvious.
First of all you need to pursue these problems with the building dept. and their respective inspectors. An electrical inspector has testing devices that will allow him to check things out even if they are not exposed. For certain things he has the right to require them to open things up. I don't want to suggest you run to an attorney because of the cost but perhaps this may end up being your only recourse. In cases like this the attorney fee can sometimes be passed on the the defendant.
Another approach to get your landlord's attention is ...... for the next rental payment purchase a certified check or money order payable to your landlord. Hold on to the check and give the landlord your list of complaints. Inform the landlord you are withholding rent until problems in your unit are taken care of including access to the electrical box. Since your check or money order proves you have expended the funds are not avoiding paying rent but simply withholding it, the landlord will not have a case of eviction against you.