Q: My rental agreement says utilities included but one hot summer the bill was very high so I helped to pay it down .
And have been paying half utilities ever since. I am no longer able to help and it is not in my rental agreement. Am I obligated to continue paying half utilities just because I was willing and able to help before.?
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
If your rental agreement explicitly states that utilities are included, you are not legally obligated to pay for any portion of the utilities, regardless of previous voluntary payments you made.
Your past willingness to help with utility costs does not create a new legal obligation or modify the original rental agreement. In California, any substantial changes to rental terms must be made in writing and agreed upon by both parties. Your voluntary contributions, while generous, did not constitute a formal amendment to your lease.
You should communicate with your landlord in writing, referencing the specific clause in your rental agreement that includes utilities. Keep copies of the lease and any correspondence for your records. If your landlord attempts to force you to pay utilities or retaliates against you for stopping payments, you may want to contact California Housing Rights Center or seek legal counsel to protect your rights under the original agreement.
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