Can your landlord penalize you for being late to your utility company?

Question

We are always behind on one of our utility payments. But we always catch up with a large payment. We are current with our utility bill right now. Our apartment manager wants to penalize us by increasing our rent to 40.00 and tacking on an additional 75.00 for a period of six months. She said if we pay our utility each month on time for six months she will reduce the rent back by 75.00. Well if we are having a hard time paying the utility bill each month how does she think we are going to pay all the additional rent her penalty and our utility bill? Is there anything we could do?

Answer 1

She can if it's in your lease.  

Answer 2

Landlord/Tenant Law is unique in every state.  Here in Maine, we have Pine Tree Legal.  This is a website covering most legal topics.  I suggest you contact your local courthouse and ask about this matter.  Do a search YOUR STATE Landlord/Tenant Law.

You might also go to your local Law School.  The library is likely to be another good resource.