Can my apartment change my bill mid-lease to include utilities charges that are more than what they owe the utility company?
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Can my apartment change my bill mid-lease to include utilities charges that are more than what they owe the utility company?
My apartment complex has entered a bulk service agreement with my internet and TV provider. We are to pay the cost of basic service directly to the apartment and pay the ISP for any upgrade fees. The apartment is attempting to charge us $50+ over what the ISP is actually charging them. This will raise our bill by almost $70. What can we do?
Asked on November 3, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Ohio
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Whether or not your apartment complex can change your bill mid-lease to increase the charges depends upon what the written lease states. You need to carefully read the written lease in that its terms and conditions control the obligations owed to you by the landlord and vice versa in the absence of conflicting state law.
If the written lease does not allow the increased charges, then you are not obligated to pay it. If it does, then you are obligated to pay the increase.
Good luck.
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