Who Pays Utilites?

[ltreiber]

we inherited a house in sacramento, ca. this house was rented at the time. the tenants are still renting. after we raised the rent they have come to us and claimed there is a statute that says we must pay the utilities. this would include garbage, water, gas and electrical. I have never heard of this, is this something unique to califormia or sacramento?

 

[jlw1000]

I would call the local landlord tenant code authorities and get a copy for future reference. Do you have a copy of the lease? What does it state in regards to utilities? As a landlord I do not pay for utilities for many reasons. #1, a tenant that has "free" utilities may run them up because they do not have to pay for them. #2, if a tenant stiffs you on the rent your stuck, why be stuck for the utilities too?

 

[ltreiber]

My father never did have a lease agreement that we know of. If there is one the tenant has not brought that to our attention. you suggested the local authority, since this is our first experience and I am in Arizona would you have a suggestion as to where to start looking

 

[happylucky]

Well who's name is the utilities in...thats who pays.....

But since they are month to month tenants.....

All you have to do is give them 30 days to move or 30 days to get the utilities in their name.

The usual rule is that if the Landlord has control of the heat the landlord pays....If a tenant has a thermostat in their apartment they pay.

In NY it is usually illegal for the landlord to split the utilities.

And really who cares, water is NOT that expensive, you can always raise the rent another $5 or $10 a month at lease time.

 

[jlw1000]

Locate your local landlord tenant code authorities in our phone book.

As for determining who has paid the utilities in the past, call the utility comapnies involved. They should be able to determine this from their records.

If the utilities are not in their name, or they have not paid for them in the past-I agree with Happy about making them pay for them in the future.