Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Re: Who pays for heat and electricity in common areas?

It shoulds like your landlord is wrongfully charging you for

utilities. Unless the utilities are separately metered, the Landlord is responsible for

payment of the utilities. If you would like to pursue this matter,

your landlord may be liable for payment of these past utilities plus interest

and possible double or triple damages, costs and attorney fees under the comsumer protection

statute M.G.L. c. 93A. If you would like to discuss this matter further my number is 978 465-5158 . I offer a free consultation.

Re: Who pays for heat and electricity in common areas?

Landlord pays, in the situation as you described it. Furthermore, the landlord can be made to pay YOUR past bills, which really can add up, for failure to keep the common area separately metered. Isn't that nice? Then you can possible double or triple that figure, and more definitely add a reasonable attorney's fees ... !!! (By the way, I'm a reasonable attorney -- I work in the 617 area code, though I sometimes travel to 781 and 508 area codes!)

Give me a call if you're at all near Newton!

Re: Who pays for heat and electricity in common areas?

How long have you been there? How much have your bills totalled for that period? When did you learn you were heating the common area? How many radiators or vents are a) in your apt., b) the other apt., c) the hallway?

Did the other apartment tenants pay you for their "half" of the heat? Did they pay their money directly to the utility company?

I suggest you don't yet mention this to your neighbor, for strategic purposes, or to the landlord, until you've got a lawyer.

My number is (617)527-0050, and my e-mail [email protected] -- I assume you're in Massachusetts.