[michaelson]

I own some rental property and one of my established tenants went CRAZY last month with utility usage. I include all utilities. The guys are in college and have rented from me in the past and they are so conscientious and last year they left the place pristine. I saved so much money with their care of the place last time that I activated the satellite service for them this time at my expense; they wrote to me and even thanked for the added bonus.

This month I received the water and electric bill and they were outrageous. I sent them an e-mail and politely inquired if they had done anything that would have caused the increased usage; they replied that they weren't aware of anything but would take responsibility for any additional charges as long as I could present proof of being billed for it.

What should I do? The water and electric bill were about 3x that of last month.

 

[bbo]

you can send them the bills previous and present. they said they would take care of them.

I suspect they know why and might be playing dumb. you might want to stop by to make sure all is well ( with proper notice depending on the legality of landlord visits)

my money is they are into agriculture now

 

[michaelson]

Into agriculture, you think they're growing weed?

 

[bbo]

just my guess but yes.

 

[gregzoll]

You could always hook up something like a Ted5000 in the main panel, to monitor use hourly, daily. There are other types that you can watch individual circuits, other than just the general use to the panel.

 

[michaelson]

Okay, I just got off the phone with them and we arranged to meet tonight. Lets hope I don't find a farm.

 

[tibberous]

Into agriculture, you think they're growing weed?

On the plus side, they'll be able to afford to pay the rent.

 

[LVDIY]

What's in your contract regarding utilities?

 

[Bondo]

you can send them the bills previous and present. they said they would take care of them.

I suspect they know why and might be playing dumb. you might want to stop by to make sure all is well ( with proper notice depending on the legality of landlord visits)

my money is they are into agriculture now

Ayuh,... Orrr, bein' college kids,... Long sessions of Sex in the shower,...:thumbup:

 

[michaelson]

The utilities are supposed to be included but I have found the cause.

The house has hot water radiators and there's a little black tank over the boiler. There was hot water spraying out of the tank at the seam. Needless to say there's some serious after-hours work going on now.

 

[michaelson]

I feel like, knowing what I now know I don't have any right to say anything about the cost since it's clearly not their fault. Would people agree that I need to just eat this one?

 

[bbo]

I feel like, knowing what I now know I don't have any right to say anything about the cost since it's clearly not their fault. Would people agree that I need to just eat this one?

I probably would.

And spark one up with em to show no hard feelings. :jester:

 

[tibberous]

I feel like, knowing what I now know I don't have any right to say anything about the cost since it's clearly not their fault. Would people agree that I need to just eat this one?

Yeah - I would. Sucks it wasn't a big grow op, that would have been way more interesting.

 

[LVDIY]

I feel like, knowing what I now know I don't have any right to say anything about the cost since it's clearly not their fault. Would people agree that I need to just eat this one?

yeah, you said they've been great tenants, so unless this was due to their neglect I'd say it's all on you.

 

[beenthere]

I feel like, knowing what I now know I don't have any right to say anything about the cost since it's clearly not their fault. Would people agree that I need to just eat this one?

They had nothing to do with the tank failing. So it should be your dime only.

 

[PoleCat]

Don't be surprised if the cops still come sniffing around. Here the utility company will notify the police when there is a spike in electricity usage.

 

[md2lgyk]

Don't be surprised if the cops still come sniffing around. Here the utility company will notify the police when there is a spike in electricity usage.

What police department has the time and manpower to investigate something like that?? Certainly none of them I worked for. Around here, most don't even work traffic.

 

[tibberous]

Don't be surprised if the cops still come sniffing around. Here the utility company will notify the police when there is a spike in electricity usage.

Can I ask what your basing that on? I always heard that was a myth, except in Canada.

 

[jcrack_corn]

many poco's and water cos will give you a one time good faith credit if you show proof of the repair (they will reduce the elevated bills to your typical monthly average)....so definitely ask, you may be surprised.

 

[michaelson]

The HVAC repair tech actually informed me that in cases of leaks the water department actually has a protocol for refunding to compensate. He filled out the paperwork we need to move forward with that.

Who cares if the cops go over there and check them out. I didn't get the vibe that these guys had anything to hide.