Charging extra money for using air conditioners?

[teakagirly]

new jersey:
landlord sent a memo, that if we use the air conditioning, we will be charged an additional $ 25.00 per month for each unit used on top of our rent. Is that legal?

 

[LL]

I thought it was so cold that you needed heat.

 

[teakagirly]

yes it was 30 here last night.

but when i went to their house to prove to them that the law states heat must be on from 10/1 thru 5/1, they handed me a rent increase letter(mind you, while the heat was still off)and included with the rent increase, it stated that they will be charging an extra $ 25.oo a month to use an air conditioner, during the summer, on top of the rent.

is it legal?

 

[LL]

If the rent increase is legal, then so is the extra charge for air conditioning.

Now, was going to the landlord to complain about the heat for a few weeks a good idea?

 

[mary hartman]

In new jersey It is ILLEGAL for a landlord to do that , a lease is a lease, PERIOD!

When he renews the lease then he can add it, and you can move it you dont want to pay it!

 

[teakagirly]

To Experienced LandLord from California:
Now, was going to the landlord to complain about the heat for a few weeks a good idea?

WHEN IT IS 30 DEGREES OUTSIDE AT NIGHT, WOULDNT YOU LIKE TO HAVE HEAT? you trying to tell me i shouldnt have educated him on the NJ Heat Law, and woke up in the morning w/icicles on my nose?

 

[teakagirly]

To Mary,

thanx for your response.

we dont have a lease, that is why i am asking. i'm not saying i am dead against it, i was just curious if it was legal.

 

[mary hartman]

With NO LEASE the landlord can do anything even raise your rent $1000 a month with a 30 day notice, so yes he can start charging the $25 extra starting JUNE 1st, if there are any air conditioners.

The 30 days start when you normally pay rent which would be May 1st.

 

[teakagirly]

Thanx again mary for your help.