If utilities are shared by2 domiciles and paid equally by both parties, can the utilities be controlled by the party who’s name the utilities are in?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
If utilities are shared by2 domiciles and paid equally by both parties, can the utilities be controlled by the party who’s name the utilities are in?
Now Party 1, who’s name the utilities are in, wants to increase expenses to Party 2, and intends to cut off utilities to Party 2 if she does not comply. Are there legal consequences for this action? No written agreement exist between the parties. The agreement to share equal expenses was done verbally.
Asked on April 26, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, depending on the amount of utilities, a verbal agreement may not be binding based on the statute of limitations. If two families live under the same roof (not clear from your question), then whomever is on the utility is the responsible party and whatever separate agreement you have verbally may not be binding if you haven't performed on it yet. I assume since there is a threat of shutting off utilities to the second party, this is either a duplex or similar living situation. If so, consider getting the utilities placed in your name. Simply contact the utility company, explain what is happening and have them come out and see if it can be done. If the other party owns the duplex, the utility company and the agency that handles landlord tenant matters may both have to get involved.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.