Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Oklahoma
Our business currently leases a building in Oklahoma. We've been in this building for a bit over a year now.
Ever since we have moved in, we have noticed that the electric and water bill is higher than it should be.
After some research, we have found out that the landlord has the wiring for the outdoor lights for all tenants (four in total, including us) all wired to our particular unit. The same goes for the outdoor water spigots -- they're all plumbed to our unit.
While the cost is relatively negligible, we'd like for her to take care of the $75.00 a month or so that's been charged to us erroneously for the lighting. She's not cooperating with our request for a $900.00 credit on next months bill ($75 * 12).
Do we have any legal recourse aside from breaking our lease and leaving? The lease says that she is responsible for this sort of thing; parking lot, lighting outside, etc.
Thanks you!
1 Answer from Attorneys
If this responsibility is outlined in the lease, as it should be, and you provided proof electricity is being malicously charged to you, it is appropriate to invoice the landlord for these additional expenses. It is also appropriate because if is wrongfully, unlawful and malicious conduct.
As such, the Landlord is responsible for reinbursements and correcting this situation. Make sure you document all of this activity, including reinbusements in writing. Also document his/her actions or reactions just in case they take you to court and try to wrongfully evict you.
After you send this [certified] demand letter to the Landlord, allow only 30 days to correct the problems. If they [landlords] refuse, you have a right to call the utility company to correct the connection, if you are prepared to prove it should be attached aother unit or location and you indepently pay your bills at that location. This cost for transfer should be invoiced to the Landlord as well. I hope this helps.
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