Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Bill responsibility for electrical outlet
My business is located in a 4 suite 2 story commercial office building. We have had many problems with the heater not working as well as the exterior lights not working and they are supposed to illuminate the stairs as we exit at night. Last year when I plugged in a portable heater to the outlet the socket sparked and then smoke billowed out. I then pulled out the plug and the prong was burnt into the socket. The landlord sent out an electrician and 9 months later I received a bill from the landlord charging me $110 for ''rough usage.'' I spoke to the property manager and she agreed to waive this fee after I told her what had happened. Today however she called back and said that the landlord is sticking by the bill. My complaint is that 1) this was not rough usage and 2) its the landlord's obligation to make repairs. What are my rights?

Asked on 2/19/08, 2:24 pm

Robert L. Bennett Law offices of Robert L. Bennett

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Re: Bill responsibility for electrical outlet

Is it worth $110 to take landlord ("L") to court.

This should be L's responsibility. You can sue in small claims court, and L is likely to lose, and also resent it.

You can threaten L,pay it yourself, and deduct from bill will should also not sit too well with L.

You can withhold rent from L until it is fixed, and end up being evicted, and have to spend lots of money on attorney fees.

You can pay it yourself, and live in peace till the next fight develops.

You can hire an attorney to write a letter for you, and perhaps work out a satisfactory result with L, as unlikely as that sounds.

Please feel free to e-mail, or call, my office, if you need more help.

Answered on 2/19/08, 3:13 pm

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