What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
CA
A little history- Please read:
?- Are landlords responsible for gas and electric bills if there is a gas leak or if the electric bill is high due to an alledged rigging of the meter?
History- I rent out a 1968 house that probably would benefit from modernization (i.e, updated insulation, central air, etc.) My tenant of nearly 1 1/2 years had reported that at 1 point her gas bill was very high. She had been informed prior to moving in that the bills ran high at the home. Now that she is moving out and owes rent for 09/09 and has a past due rental balance of $1,395, she is hinting that I am responsible for a 1-month gas bill for $900.00. She claims that she only had the gas for 1 month (Winter 2008)and turned it off after receiving the bill. Additionally, she claims that her electric bill has been over $300.00 monthly since Edison investigated and determined the meter had been rigged.
I purchased the home in 09/07 and resided in the home sporadically (I work for a 24/7 program) for 2 months. When I got the electric bill, it was for approximately $120.00 and I was not there very often. Regarding the $900.00 gas bill, I was told in Winter 2008 that the bill was high (I was not given the $900.00 amount until today and vaguely remember the tenant stating that it was $300.00 in the past) . I advised the tenant to use heaters and provided 3. My tenant had stated that she would contact the gas company, but I did not hear anything else related to the heating issue nor have I spoken with the gas company or seen a bill. Regarding the electric bill, I was not informed of the alleged rigging of the meter until today and if it is true, do not know who did it or when it was done.
It appears that the tenants have moved out, but not before flooding the kitchen and surrounding areas on 09/21/09. I filed a small claims case on 09/24/09. I am going to have the wife served at work today. How can I serve the husband if I am unaware of his whereabouts and the wife is unwilling to disclose?
Please help!!
CA
A little history- Please read:
?- Are landlords responsible for gas and electric bills if there is a gas leak or if the electric bill is high due to an alledged rigging of the meter?
History- I rent out a 1968 house that probably would benefit from modernization (i.e, updated insulation, central air, etc.) My tenant of nearly 1 1/2 years had reported that at 1 point her gas bill was very high. She had been informed prior to moving in that the bills ran high at the home. Now that she is moving out and owes rent for 09/09 and has a past due rental balance of $1,395, she is hinting that I am responsible for a 1-month gas bill for $900.00. She claims that she only had the gas for 1 month (Winter 2008)and turned it off after receiving the bill. Additionally, she claims that her electric bill has been over $300.00 monthly since Edison investigated and determined the meter had been rigged.
I purchased the home in 09/07 and resided in the home sporadically (I work for a 24/7 program) for 2 months. When I got the electric bill, it was for approximately $120.00 and I was not there very often. Regarding the $900.00 gas bill, I was told in Winter 2008 that the bill was high (I was not given the $900.00 amount until today and vaguely remember the tenant stating that it was $300.00 in the past) . I advised the tenant to use heaters and provided 3. My tenant had stated that she would contact the gas company, but I did not hear anything else related to the heating issue nor have I spoken with the gas company or seen a bill. Regarding the electric bill, I was not informed of the alleged rigging of the meter until today and if it is true, do not know who did it or when it was done.
It appears that the tenants have moved out, but not before flooding the kitchen and surrounding areas on 09/21/09. I filed a small claims case on 09/24/09. I am going to have the wife served at work today. How can I serve the husband if I am unaware of his whereabouts and the wife is unwilling to disclose?
Please help!!
Last edited: