12/30 I live in an apartment. My unit's electrical meter covers both my
unit and the unit above; the electrical bill is in my landlord's
name, but I've been paying it. Is this legal? I'm in Oakland.
Suggestions on who to contact about this?
\_ wow thats messed up. You could stop paying it -- if its in your
landlord's name, they're responsible. But I dont think theyd feel
the pain of you not having any power...
\_ They might feel the pain when he stops paying rent. If the
apartment doesn't meet basic living conditions (running water,
heat, electricity, etc) you don't have to pay the rent for it.
The landlord isn't providing a suitable residence. By the way,
I would suggest you talk to the landlord about the bill because
that would be much easier than going through the "not paying it"
process.
\- it is my understanding that if anything outside your living
space is on you meter ... even the light in the hallway ...
this must be disclosed to you. i am not sure what your
remedy options would be at this point. i believe oakland
has some kind of rent board but it might be easier to ask
the berkeley rent people and just say you live in berkeley.
let us know how this goes. --psb
\_ Turns out the relevant section of the California Civil
Code is 1940.9: link:csua.org/u/egh
It makes for fascinating reading; the gist is since our
rental agreement specifies that I have to cover the gas
for upstairs and doesn't mention the electricity, I may
be able to sue for the payments I made, and I certainly
am not liable for all of the electricity. We'll bring this
up with him first thing next week. Thanks. --erikred
\_ Whatever you do, do not stop paying the electric bill. As far
as PG&E is concerned, since you live at the location and are the
beneficiary of power, it is your responsibility. If you stop
paying, they will just start accruing a balance, possibly shut
off the power (which then requires a deposit for restoration).
The California PUC supports this practice. What does your
lease/rental agreement say about who is responsible for the
power? You probably have recourse against your landlord. -dans |