Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

My landlord owns a business that has its office on the property next to the one we rent. There is a small block building right on the edge of his property that borders ours. We recently found out that the building is used as a personal gym for the landlord's mother. It has a TV and a window a/c unit (that runs constantly) and who knows what else. The light is also left on most of the time. A few weeks ago, my husband was testing the main breakers to see which one contract the exterior lights when he realized that the building is on our meter.

I called our landlord about the issue earlier this week, but his stand is that the usage isn't that great. From the way he spoke, it seemed like he isn't planning on doing anything about it. We have a 3/2 1400 sq ft mobile home. The duct work was replaced when we moved in. We have insulated almost every window, replaced every bulb with a compact florescent bulb, we don't use our dryer or stove/oven, and we unplug everything when we are not using it. We also keep our a/c at 79 or 80 degrees. Yet our bill is still $350!

What can I do?


Asked on 6/24/10, 6:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

Report him to the electric company (this is illegal what he is doing) that he is sponging on your meter. He will of course be fined and you may get a refund. Of course, he will also probably try to retaliate (which is illegal) so be prepared.

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Answered on 6/25/10, 7:19 am


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