Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

Unfair utility charge

I live in Nassau County, Long Beach, NY. I rent the first floor in a two family home. The landlord rents the upstairs apartment to someone else. He does not live in the home. The washer and dryer are in a small laundry/furnace/boiler room next to my kitchen, separated by a bi-fold door with a lock. Both apartments in the house have their own meters, however, the furnace, washer, dryer and water heater are on my electric bill. The landlord insists that I must allow the upstairs tenant to use the washer dryer on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. He gives her a key to the laundry room. He basically said it was too bad if I didn't want to do this. I did draw the line at her doing laundry after 9 p.m. at night. However, after three years of doing this, I am fed up with the amount of my electric bill, and would like to know if I have the right to force the issue so that she can no longer use my electric. As it is, each time the furnace and water heater go on that is on my bill too. I have asked him to remove the washer dryer altogether but he refused that as well.


Asked on 7/28/01, 10:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dan Blumenthal Berkman Henoch Peterson & Peddy

Re: Unfair utility charge

While the situation may seem unfair, presumably your rent reflected the additional costs and inconveniences (although requiring you to allow another tenant in seems a bit much). The problem is, absent a written lease, the LL can choose to evict you on thirty day notice, leaving you with a choice of forcing the issue and facing possible eviction or making your peace with him to preserve your tenancy. I am a fellow Long Beacher and will gladly discuss this further . Call me at 516-780-0270 if you wish to examine your options.

Read more
Answered on 8/01/01, 5:59 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in New York