What to do if I own a condo and rent it out but my tenent has been stealing electricity from the common areas?
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What to do if I own a condo and rent it out but my tenent has been stealing electricity from the common areas?
The Association is sending double triple fines. Is that legal? Is stealing electricity criminal?
Asked on January 26, 2013 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Stealing any utility is illegal and carries heavy fines and jail time. You own a condo and and are responsible for your contractual obligations to the tenant but also to the Homeowner's Association. You will continue to get fines and so you will need to institute eviction proceedings against your tenant, force your tenant to pay those fines (sue him) and report him to the police and utility board.
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