Can the utility company turn off the commercial tenants power if the meter is in the landlord’s name and he is behind payments.
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can the utility company turn off the commercial tenants power if the meter is in the landlord’s name and he is behind payments.
Asked on May 30, 2009 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
J.M.A., Member in Good Standing of the Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
The short answer is yes. The landlord has a duty to maintain the meter and make sure the tenants receive those utilities. I am not sure why the landlord is not payng, but it is obligated to do so or it is causing damages to the tenants. I would contact the utility company and find out how to get them to service individual units if that is possible. otherwise, you need to file some kind of action in court to force the landlord to use the rental income to pay the utility bill. the landlord's conduct constitues a constructive eviction and the tenants may be able to leave without paying the balance of their rent. I would get a lawyer involved asap.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.