Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Renters Rights: Utilities
I was notified by the landlord (also resident of property) of gas meter charges retroactive for a period of 2 months while I was a tenant. I moved out 7 months ago. The landlord claims I owe $171.00.
She does not specify what the retroactive charges are for. I beleive the gas meter was non-functional and was consequently fixed by the gas company.
While I was a tenant, I paid all utility charges for which the landlord billed me.
Am I responsible for this payment?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Renters Rights: Utilities
For starters, you are entitled to an explanation you can understand. Only then can you -- or an attorney advising you -- form an opinion on whether this is a legitimate demand. Very possibly it is, however. The delay in billing may be due to infrequent reading of the meter by the gas supplier rather than a defective meter, but anything is possible.