Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

Utility Fees Not Specified in Lease

My Lease Agreement, which I recently signed, does not specify the amount of the utilities charged, but the word ''Resident'' in their stead. My online rental payment account shows an amount that exceeds my montly rental rate. That delta, according to the Landlord is the equivalent of the utilities. If the Lease doesn't specify the amount of the utilities, this seems to be an arbitrary charge. Is the Landlord correct to charge what seems an arbitrary utilities charge?


Asked on 6/02/06, 11:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Utility Fees Not Specified in Lease

Your remedy is to determine what is the actual amount of this monthly "delta charge" and how does it compare to other such charges for utilities in other similar units in the area.

If the charge is similar to that being assessed other units, then you have nothing to complain about. However, if the utility charge is substantially higher, then, of course, you need to take it up with the landlord and, perhaps, even the utility company itself for an appropriate adjustment.

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Answered on 6/02/06, 9:46 pm


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