What can happen if I don’t pay extra fees the complex wants to charge me for not changing the utility bill to my name?
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What can happen if I don’t pay extra fees the complex wants to charge me for not changing the utility bill to my name?
I am only subleasing for 2 months. Since I moved in I have been asking for information regarding the eletricity bill and the staff were unable to help me. Now after a month and a half I got the bill and a notice that the complex is also charging an extra $50 utility processing fine because the bill was under their name after the girl that was living in the apartment moved out and my roommate did not change the eletricity bill to her name. I don’t feel I have the responsibility to pay this extra fee since there’s nothing in the actual contract plus the actual year-round tenants should be aware of that.
Asked on July 12, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If the $50 fine is not based upon any written agreement that you signed then you are not contractually or legally obligated to pay the amount that you are writing about as part of your sub-lease.
Likewise if the person who you rented the premises from never told you about this fee, then all the more reason why you should not be obligated to pay this $50 fee.
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