Comments on: My Electric Meter Is Connected To Two Apartments And I’m Footing The Bill, Who’s Responsible For What?

By: Velocity Air Engineering, Inc.

Velocity Air Engineering, Inc. — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:53:23 +0000

Have an electrician install an Emon Demon electric meter on yours or your neighbors electrical feed and that way you will be able to read the usage each month and seperate the electric bills. Join my group for tips each month on how to save on maintenance costs.
John
Velocity Air Engineering, Inc.

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:57:24 +0000

Landlord should either include your electric in the rent or spring for having things re-wired to two separate meters.

By: Ron Berue

Ron Berue — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:45:41 +0000

Before jumping the gun, I would contact the electric company and request a survey or a confirmation of service – in writing. [I'm sorry, the correct terminology escapes me.]
This will substantiate your claims.
Once you get that information, you can send a copy to the landlord or manager, with your requests.
Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it!
VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name!

By: 1JD-5har

1JD-5har — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:48:51 +0000

My name is jerry. I can put you in touch with a person who can answer that for you ,but let just say that u’r landlord say pay s the ele. for you tell him u refused to pay since u r paying for 2 familys you will only pay 50 percent.it is illegal for any one individual to turn your power off, he may own the power he does not own the meter. If he does call the police and he may be responsible for 75 percent of it. DO CALL YOUR LOCAL UTILITY/GOV. AGENCY!!!!!!

By: budhah1

budhah1 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:19:22 +0000

Something not right here, nor is it fair.. You should never have to pay for neighbors electricity. If not seperate meters then the LL should be putting the bill. or dividing it up between the two of you.
This is a simple case of fraud. The land lord is breaking the law, I would assume.
I am a land lord and would never do this,, I have had places I bough rewired to be assured that each tenant has their own meter..
This happen a lot on water meters, and usually the LL would pay that bill.. Not many will pay electric.
Tell him you want re-imbursed, and the meter replaced and separated, or you will go to the city attorney and file charges.. NOT A SUIT, but criminal charges.

By: lolliela

lolliela — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:43:55 +0000

I would immediately request that you be put on a separate meter.
I think you should ask that you be reimbursed for at least 75% of what you paid. That may be more than the power you used, but you have been inconvenienced.
You might even ask for free rent for a month (or two). If he does compensate – get him to sign something stating
1. he is getting another meter put in
2. Paying you funds you are entitled to (if he should do that)
3. if you get free rent as reimbursement – definitely get it in writing that he has agreed to this. Otherwise, he may say you did not pay rent for that time period.
If the landlord does not co-operate in any way – I would contact an attorney.
What does your electric bill say: For example:
“Service at _______ Street, Apt. #______”?
I own a rental and pay one of the bills there and when that bill comes to me it states the address and then “garage”.