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Do we tell the landlord?

Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Salty, Sep 9, 2009.

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  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    My wife and I have lived at 406 G---- St for the past 6 years.

    This past week we received a letter telling us that over the past few months, the electricity and water use has went up quite a bit lately. If the usage remains high, he will have to raise our rent to cover the difference.

    Well, the key phrase was "the last few months". About 6 months ago a new tenant moved in.
    They are a couple with one 4 year old child.

    Since they have moved in they have put in a window AC which they say they only use a few hours a weeks. Jose washes his car rather frequently. In addition, they have a washer and dryer - which we do not use. One other thing, he has a very, very large fish tank - probably uses a lot of water.

    If I remember correctly, we were told we could not have a W/D - due to the operating costs.

    Basically our usage has not went up. Mrs Salty is afraid our rent will go up, because of all that extra use.

    BTW, there is only one meter for the electricity, and one for the water as this used to be only a one family house.

    So, do we say something to the landlord now, or wait until the rent goes up?

    We are on friendly terms with Jose.
     
    #1 Salty, Sep 9, 2009
  2. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    As a landlord, I always appreciate when tenants speak directly to me and as soon as something becomes a problem.

    Oh, hydro is extra to my rent, but I pay the oil bill for heat and any required repairs.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #2 Jim1999, Sep 9, 2009
  3. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    If you're having a problem with another tenant, yes, you tell the landlord. S/he needs to know if there are problems in the building. There's a way to tell the landlord of yoru concerns without fingerpointing or looking like a troublemaker.
     
    #3 Johnv, Sep 9, 2009
  4. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    exactly, we dont want to be know as tattletales
     
    #4 Salty, Sep 9, 2009
  5. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Is there a way to put in two meters in the joint?

    I would have to say something to the landlord about it.
     
    #5 SaggyWoman, Sep 9, 2009
  6. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    It is prolly wired as a single family dwelling.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #6 Jim1999, Sep 9, 2009
  7. ccrobinson

    ccrobinson Active Member

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    Definitely talk to the landlord. The landlord needs to put in a 2nd meter, at his expense. It's hardly fair to expect you to pay for the other tenants power and water. It's just as unfair to expect the other tenant to pay for your power and water.
     
    #7 ccrobinson, Sep 10, 2009
  8. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Actually, two tenants ago, paid for the oven gas. After he moved out and turned off the gas, our gas went out! Come to find out the gas line was linked up to both apts.

    BTW, that tenant moved out with no forwarding address and about 3 months rent due.!!

    and the landlord did take care of the gas meter, now we are paying for our gas now.
    and we have a new landlord.
     
    #8 Salty, Sep 10, 2009
  9. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Thankfully I only rent out my single-family houses. I've had my share of bad tenants, but learned to seek older people now. Keep the rental costs within reach for them. They take good care of the houses...treat them as their own.

    All the best Salty. I'm sure you would be a responsible tenant.............but it would be a long drive from Tamworth to Syracuse..........

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #9 Jim1999, Sep 10, 2009
  10. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    I would talk to the landlord, no way I'm paying more rent to cover someone else's negligence and rule breaking.
     
    #10 donnA, Sep 10, 2009
  11. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I must be, every time something goes wrong, Mrs Salty says I am responsible :laugh:
     
    #11 Salty, Sep 10, 2009
  12. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    I've been in a similar situation, brother. I saw it as taking the rap for someone else and wasn't about to do it. The rules were set before they moved in and yet they are breaking them left and right... and are about to stick you with helping pay for them.

    I would go over to the landlord's house and have a nice chat with them, letting them know that nothing has changed on your end and what is going on with the other tenants. I know my former landlord was glad I came to him as he was losing money, just like your landlord is doing right now.
     
    #12 Trotter, Sep 10, 2009
  13. JohnDeereFan

    JohnDeereFan Well-Known Member
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    I understand that you're friendly with Jose, but if Jose's really you're friend, he'll understand that you shouldn't be forced to pay for his disproportionate use of the water and electricity.

    My wife and I own a couple of rental properties and we certainly hope that our tenents feel they can be honest with us about any concerns or complaints they have.
     
    #13 JohnDeereFan, Sep 15, 2009
  14. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    my words to the Landlord:

    "Hey, we received a notice about a rent increase due to increased usage of water, etc.

    As long-time tenants of yours, I wanted to give you a possible explanation as to why there has been such an increase. I figured, as a landlord, you would want to understand...and it might help you in determining your course of action."

    Then...go on and explain, in specific detail, what you told us here. (making it clear that your goal isn't to "bust" the other tenants...but rather to make sure your landlord is informed).

    Good luck.
     
    #14 rbell, Sep 15, 2009
  15. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    Maybe it's also time to ask the ever-important question...

    "Jose, can you see..."
     
    #15 rbell, Sep 15, 2009
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