Do we have to pay for the electricity for a garage that we do not rent?
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Do we have to pay for the electricity for a garage that we do not rent?
We rent an apartment in a large complex that has a detached garaged available for rent. Over a year ago we found out that one of those garages is hard wired to our apartment (same breaker as our kitchen). The complex did reimburse us $300 for the overage of 2 months while a tenant was running a business out of the garage and caused a huge spike in our bill. However, since then the complex has done nothing to remedy or fix this problem and we continue to pay for the electricity in that garage with no end in sight. What are our rights or legal obligations at this point?
Asked on March 26, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Under the local ordinances of most municipalities as well as state law throughout this country, separate meters are required for individual rented units. If the garage that you are writing about is not with your rental, it is to have its own separate electrical meter. As such you are not required to pay for electricity for a unit that you do not rent.
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