What is my recourse if my landlord has been overcharging for utilities?
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What is my recourse if my landlord has been overcharging for utilities?
I live at at multi-unit house and our landlord bundles our utilities. I was made aware that another tenant moved and part of her deposit was withheld for an overage in utilities. I asked the landlord for copies of the utility bills from the time I moved in until present; my lease specifies that I may get copies. The landlord provided 3 months worth and supposedly will provide the rest shortly although she has been putting me off for the 3 months she did supply. What if I find out she has been overcharging me for utilities?
Asked on February 2, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If through your own due diligence process you discover through the review of paperwork and old utility bills that you have been overcharged by your landlord for utilities, you need to send the landlord a letter demanding a refund for the overpayment with accrued interest on the overpayment by a set date. Keep a copy of the letter for future need and reference.
If the landlord does not pay you the demanded refund within the time period set forth in the letter, your option is to file a small claims court action against the landlord seeking the refund.
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