Q: My tenant thinks its unfair cause her lease she is responsible for snow/water/sewer. Upstairs tenant pays $75 per month
Clarify only 1/2 sewer and water Bill. Othe tenant pays $75 more per a month. She also received a 2 year lease and have not raised her rent since I’ve acquired the unit 3 years ago. Units are same size with same number of occupants. She said any increase would make it unaffordable so that is why we negotiated these terms snow first then the half sewer and water. Upstairs will be responsible for 1/2 sewer and water in next renewal 2 months away. She is claiming I am discriminating against her or favoring the other tenant.
A: Until the current lease expires, the only changes that can made as to the rent charges are those which are specifically provided for in the lease. When the new lease is presented add to the rent to paid be sure to include a provision that the tenant is responsible for one half of the water charges and snow removal charges as additional rent. If not in the lease, be sure to add a provision for late charge fee for late rent payment. Further provide that in event that suit is filed, the tenant cam be charged for landlord's legal fees.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
