How do I address my landlord breaking our lease by now charging us for utilities?
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How do I address my landlord breaking our lease by now charging us for utilities?
I have lived in my apartment complex for 4 years and our lease states that the landlord is responsible for water, sewer, and trash and the tenant is responsible for electric. We have signed a “lease renewal” every year, most recently 2 months ago which makes our lease effective for another 10 months. We just received a bill in the mail charging almost $100 for water, sewer, and trash. I called my landlord and she said the company has just decided to charge residents for these utilities. How do we move forward letting the company know that we are not responsible for these charges?
Asked on February 27, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
By writing a letter by certidfied mail return receipt requested with a copy of the lease provision that states that they are responsible for these charges highlighted and attached. A lease is a binding contract so they are bound by this agreement for another 10 months. If they sue you for the money you have a great defense. Good luck.
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