Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Oklahoma

i recently moved into an apartment and we have had no hot water for the past 5 days, a spider infestation and a leak in the hall. the management is clearly negligent, and our lease clearly states that they supply the natural gas. since we had to turn it on under our name, theyve called, and told us to send them the bill. i was wondering if i should have an attourney send a letter with the bill to make sure its getting taken care of, or if i should just cross my fingers and hope that they pay the bill. isnt this considered breaking the lease on their part? any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you!


Asked on 10/05/09, 11:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marsha Dixon

If the lease clearly specifies the Landlords' responsibility for the natural gas bill, then the bill should be in their name, not the tenant. Particularly, if your heat and/or hot water is supplied by the use of natural gas.

Secondly, if you do not have hot water due because the landlord is negligent, it is recommended that your demand repairs by letter. This letter can be sent by an attorney. After this written notification and request for repairs, the Landlord must followed the specified of time limit to make these repairs. Or deduct it from your rent if forced to make the repairs and the cost is within $100.00. This right is protect under the Oklahoma Landlord/Tenant Act.

Either way, it is important that both parties, Tenant and Landlord, adhere to the lease agreement to avoid litgation, negligence or responsibility due to a default. I hope this helps

Read more
Answered on 10/10/09, 5:47 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Oklahoma