Q: Landlord wired home improperly and now wants additional charge for utilities
I was renting the first floor of a home in NJ for the past two years; landlord lived on the second floor. Things were agreeable. The first and second floors have separate electric meters, I was paying for the first floor's usage on my own account. Problem is, it turns out that the floors are improperly wired, and half of the first floor's outlets are actually wired to the second floor's meter. I was not aware of this. Now, after I moved out, the landlord is asking for another $350 for electric due to the usage from those outlets over the past couple of years.
Of course, I certainly wish to pay my fair amount. But this is still very unexpected, and I do not know how she estimated the $350. What would be a reasonable response to this?
A: If you've already moved out, owe no back rent, and your security deposit was returned you should not owe anything. Sounds like you've abided by all the terms of your lease agreement which include paying rent, not damaging the premises, paying for whatever utility expenses that were billed to you, etc. Hence, after living there for 2 years and moving out, your landlord needs to provide proof that the $350 is your responsibility. Moreover, the problem with the wiring of the meters is not your problem; it's the landlord's responsibility. If she pushes the issue however, call me and we talk about it.
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