Can a property management company suddenly require me to place water service in my name or the water compant will shut off service in 7 days?
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Can a property management company suddenly require me to place water service in my name or the water compant will shut off service in 7 days?
And can the management company require that I pay them over $300 in past water charges? Other unique conditions exist regarding this issue. I have rented this house for 23 years, this is the 4th landlord butthe first one with a management companyto deal with. For about 21 of those years, I had the service in my name and paid it then, without my consent, the landlord transferred service to himself.
Asked on December 22, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Missouri
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The first thing that you need to do to resolve the question that you have written about is to carefully read your presumed written lease for the unit you are occupying in that its terms and conditions control the obligations owed you by the landlord and vice versa in the absence of conflicting state law.
Look at the agreement as to any water service issues. If the agreement states that the landlord is to pay for the water service to the rental, then there is no need for you to have the bill placed in your name at this point in time. If you are to pay for the water service, then I see no reason to have it placed in your name provided the property management company gives you an adequate explanation for doing so.
The property management company cannot legally shut off your water flow even if you are not current on your rent. I suggest that you consult with a landlord tenant attorney before you pay any money for past water charges or transfer water service to yourself. If you are current on your rent, I see no reason why you need to pay $300 in past water charges.
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