Useful Tips

Can a landlord deny service to a tenant because of an unpaid utility bill?

Can a landlord deny service to a tenant because of an unpaid utility bill?

State and federal laws prevent a utility company from denying services to a tenant because of an unpaid utility bill owed by the landlord (or former property owner, or former tenant). A public utility company must allow a tenant to put the utilities in his or her name if the tenant agrees to pay the utility bill going forward.

Can a landlord disconnect electric for nonpayment electric bill?

• The exception allows a landlord who submeters or allocates electricity to disconnect service for nonpayment of an electric bill if: 1. The landlord’s right to interrupt electric service is in a written lease; 2. The bill is not paid on or before the 12th day after issuance; 3.

When does a landlord have to do a Utility shutoff?

RCW 59.18.070 requires that landlords begin repairs (including utility shutoffs) within 24 hours of receiving written notice from the tenant. If the utility shutoff is due to your landlord’s negligence, keep thorough documentation of your repair request and the landlord’s response (or lack thereof).

When does a landlord have the right to interrupt electric service?

1. The landlord’s right to interrupt electric service is in a written lease; 2. The bill is not paid on or before the 12th day after issuance; 3. Advance written notice of termination is delivered to tenant by mail or hand delivery which 4.

Can a landlord sue a tenant for utility disconnection?

A landlord may not intentionally shut off a tenant’s utilities. To do so is a misdemeanor. If a landlord has unlawfully cut off utility services, a tenant can sue the landlord in court to recover triple damages or $500, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney’s fees.

Is it illegal for a landlord to shut off utilities?

It is illegal for the landlord to shutoff a tenant’s utilities intentionally for any other reason than to temporarily make necessary repairs ( RCW 59.18.300 ). The tenant may recover up to $100 a day or portion of day they are without utilities and actual damages in Small Claims Court.

• The exception allows a landlord who submeters or allocates electricity to disconnect service for nonpayment of an electric bill if: 1. The landlord’s right to interrupt electric service is in a written lease; 2. The bill is not paid on or before the 12th day after issuance; 3.

Can a landlord interrupt a tenant’s water bill?

• The bill adds an exception to the general rule that a landlord may not interrupt of utilities (water, gas, electric, etc.) provided to tenant by landlord unless it is due to an emergency, construction, or a bona fide repair.

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