Re: Utility Bill Question

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On 4/30/08, Kelley wrote:
> Last March, I signed a one year lease that began April 1.
> When the lease concluded this year, I negotiated a month to
> month rate and have been month to month for April and May
> (moving out May 31). Up until this time, I was under the
> impression that the landlord was responsible for utilities.
> I haven't seen a bill or heard a word about it since I
> moved in. Just yesterday (after I gave notice), the
> landlord made a demand for the 12 months in back utilites
> plus the two current months. He said that his office had
> inadvertantly been paying and it just came to his
> attention. I haven't been able to locate my lease
> agreement (packing) but, am unsure of the terms regarding
> utilities. If I am responsible for utilities in the lease,
> do I have to pay the lump sum now? What if it is not
> detailed in the lease?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help.

If the term is in the lease, you can argue that the landlord
waived his right to collecting the cost of utilities. You may
want to consider not paying the utilities and force landlord
to sue, but you may need to sue for return of your deposit
money. Ask your landlord for a copy of your signed lease.