Kansas City, MO asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Arkansas

Q: I live in my ex mother-in-law's house. And we pay her for the utilities. And she got mad at me because I wouldn't

Pay my daughter's car payment and had my water shut off can she do that

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In the United States, the legality of your situation depends on the terms of your living arrangement with your ex-mother-in-law. If you have a formal lease or rental agreement, it typically outlines the responsibilities for utility payments. If utilities are included in your rent, then the landlord (in this case, your ex-mother-in-law) generally cannot shut off your water for reasons unrelated to the utility payments themselves.

If there is no formal agreement, and you are paying her directly for utilities as part of an informal arrangement, it becomes more complex. Generally, even without a formal lease, you may have some tenant rights under your state's landlord-tenant laws. These laws often require a landlord to provide essential services like water, and they may prohibit shutting off utilities as a form of retaliation or punishment.

However, every state has different laws, and the specifics can vary widely. It would be wise to consult with a local attorney who can provide advice based on the details of your situation and your state's laws. They can help you understand your rights and the appropriate steps to take in this situation.

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.