What to do if my landlord put a letter on my door stating thatI have 1 day to pay a an non-itemized bill for pest control?
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What to do if my landlord put a letter on my door stating thatI have 1 day to pay a an non-itemized bill for pest control?
I live in income based housing and recently had my apartment treated by pest control. I received a letter for my rental office a month later stating that I owe $125 for the pest control treatment because my home was not ready for the inspection, although I strongly disagree. I didn’t argue I just asked to see the bill and how the charges were done. She handed me a bill that had 3 other units on it as well as mine and1 amount (which was the $125 she said I owe). So I asked her for an itemized bill of my charges only. I never received it but I received this letter. Is this lawful?
Asked on January 10, 2012 under Real Estate Law, South Carolina
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Whether or not you are contractually obligated to pay on the pest control bill submitted by your landlord for $125.00 depends upon what the written lease that you have , assuming you have one. If you have a written lease, read it carefully 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 lease is silent about its payment, then the landlord is obligated for it as a cost of doing business. If the lease states you are responsible for the fee, then you are.
I see nothing unlawful with the landlord's atempt to have you pay the $125.00 bill. I would write the landlord a letter setting forth your position as to how you want to deal with the $125.00 bill and see what transpires. Keep a copy of the letter for future use and need.
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