What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona
OK so...the LL's (married couple) and I signed a 1 year lease ($700/mo) for a house back in May 2009. I have the electricity and water connected in my name, house lease is under my name w/ my kids residing w/ me. I have paid the utilities out of my own pocket from May-Aug. So here is where the issue lies. I hand delivered (w/ a witness) my LL a letter along w/ copies of my past utility bills to apply credit towards rent owed for the utilities that I paid. My LL's are now threatening to put me and my kids out on the street unless I come up with the $940.60 that they say I owe them for rent. My lease CLEARLY states that "Tenant will pay all utility charges, except for the following, which will be paid by Landlord:" at which point on my lease it states "City of Peoria Water-Garbage Tue-Fri, SRP Electric" written by 1 of the LL's in her own hand writing. Does having the utilities in my name and me paying the city/elec company directly change the fact that they should be included in my lease agreement and that my LL's owe ME for monies that I have applied towards utilities? I plan in the future to attach my receipts for utilities and deduct the amount from the $700/month that I owe my LL's. Any helpful advice would be appreciated...thank you for reading my post.
OK so...the LL's (married couple) and I signed a 1 year lease ($700/mo) for a house back in May 2009. I have the electricity and water connected in my name, house lease is under my name w/ my kids residing w/ me. I have paid the utilities out of my own pocket from May-Aug. So here is where the issue lies. I hand delivered (w/ a witness) my LL a letter along w/ copies of my past utility bills to apply credit towards rent owed for the utilities that I paid. My LL's are now threatening to put me and my kids out on the street unless I come up with the $940.60 that they say I owe them for rent. My lease CLEARLY states that "Tenant will pay all utility charges, except for the following, which will be paid by Landlord:" at which point on my lease it states "City of Peoria Water-Garbage Tue-Fri, SRP Electric" written by 1 of the LL's in her own hand writing. Does having the utilities in my name and me paying the city/elec company directly change the fact that they should be included in my lease agreement and that my LL's owe ME for monies that I have applied towards utilities? I plan in the future to attach my receipts for utilities and deduct the amount from the $700/month that I owe my LL's. Any helpful advice would be appreciated...thank you for reading my post.