Tenant's allocated charges for total property utility bills

[steve_w]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Hi,

I reside in an apartment complex where the landlord maintains one meter for the whole property. The landlord has hired a billing company to allocate on a monthly basis the water & sewer costs amongst the tenants based on the square footage of the tenant's apartment.

The allocated costs were based on actual bills received by the landlord from LADWP till July 08. Since then, the allocated bills have been based on "estimated usage by LADWP" due to a "non working meter" as explained in the billing statements we have received from the billing company. The estimated costs have more than quadrupled my monthly bills!

1) Who should I contact regarding the long outstanding "non-working meter" as well as the unreasonably high estimates? LADWP, the landlord or the billing company?

2) As a tenant, do I have the right to check the accuracy of the computation of the amount of utility bills allocated to me? i.e. am I permitted to see the landlord's water & sewer bill and see how they arrived at the amount that was apportioned to me?

Any advice/feedback would be much appreciated.

ThanksWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[FarmerJ]

Try to see if your states public utility agency has written rules to address this method of utility billing to tenants and disputes. IF not then check your states landlord tenant laws to see if it is addressed there. ALSO complain to the city water dept telling them your situation and that the billing firm claims the master meter is not working correctly.

 

[steve_w]

Thanks for the feedback FarmerJ.