Can a tenant who claims to be disable sue the landlord if the landlord removes his name from the utilities?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Can a tenant who claims to be disable sue the landlord if the landlord removes his name from the utilities?

Landlord rented 3 units with 1 shared meter and stated in the contract its the tenants responsibility to pay utilities but because it was shared, the landlord decided to keep his name on the utilities to be fair. Now 2 of the units are going vacant & the occupied unit has a “disabled” tenant(s). They have not paid there rent in full on time and have not paid the utility bills in 2 months. Being that the solely occupy the property, the landlord sent them a notice saying he will now remove his name and it will be the tenants responsibilty to get there own utilites and pay for them. The tenant is furious.

Asked on August 13, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

It is hard to give guidance here without really seing the premises in question and the lease agreement.  But if it is one meter and shared utilities then it will be impossible for the tenant to get their "own" utilities unless they take on the entire meter.  You lease will govern here and if the landlord is in breach and basically shutting off your utilities then you have a claim against them.  So seek help from the courts.  Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption