If my landlord has been arrested and he controls the utilities, what are my rights as a tenant?
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If my landlord has been arrested and he controls the utilities, what are my rights as a tenant?
He controls my lights, gas, and heat. How do I keep these things on? It is not my name on the bills. I am concerned about random people looking for rent and the likelihood of having to move.
Asked on August 25, 2011 Illinois
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If your agreement with your landlord is that he pays all of your unit's utilities (electricity, gas and heat) he is legally obligated under his agreement with you to make sure they are not cut off even if he was arrested for some alleged offense.
If for some reason any of these utilities are shut off due to non-payment, you should pay to have any of the utilities reinstated and deduct the cost that you paid for having the utilities turned back on from your next month's rental payment to your landlord.
To calm your concerns, you should speak with your landlord about the situation and how he plans on keeping the utilities from being shut off.
Good luck.
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