Users' questions

Why do roommates refuse to pay for utilities?

Why do roommates refuse to pay for utilities?

Paying for apartment utilities have been the cause of many conflicts and roommate splits. Many fights can be avoided in the first place, with a well thought out and negotiated roommate agreement. Even then, there are roommates who breach contracts, and refuse to pay for the utilities they agreed to pay for.

What kind of utilities can I split with my roommate?

At the same time, expect them to examine your payment history in detail as well. Gas, electric, water, landline phone and broadband Internet bills are utilities that you’ll want to split with your roommate.

Can a landlord evict a roommate for not paying utilities?

Not paying for apartment utilities when they agree to do so in a written agreement can be enough grounds to evict your roommate, or to take them to small claims court for payment. You’ll most likely need to give them time to cure the breach, but if they don’t, then you need to send a demand letter.

What happens if you don’t pay your utilities on time?

You should still make your share of the payments on time, but if your roommate fail make payments, you won’t be harmed if the service is shut off temporarily. Don’t put utilities in both your names whatever you do, to protect your payment history for future apartment rentals.

Is it easy to split utilities with roommates?

Utility bills are even easier to split if you use budget billing to level out the monthly charges. This might not make as much sense if you are splitting bills with roommates but could work if you’re living with multiple generations of family. It could cause some arguments when it comes to expenses that are solely for one person.

Can a landlord refuse to pay your electric bill?

Many states have laws that prevent service from being terminated because a landlord failed to pay their utility bill. What Laws Are There to Prevent Termination of Utilities? What If I Choose to Pay the Bill So Service Will Continue?

What happens if your roommate doesn’t pay rent?

If that’s the case, check to see if your lease says “joint” or “several” liability. If you’re jointly liable, that means you are both responsible for the total rent regardless of whether your roommate pays their portion, according to Lifehacker.

Can a tenant deduct an overdue utility bill from their rent?

Some states allow tenants to pay overdue utility bills on the landlord’s account and then deduct the amount of the payment from their rent to prevent a termination of service. Generally, if a tenant chooses to pay the landlord’s utility bill, the tenant is only required to pay an amount necessary to maintain service. Find My Lawyer Now!