Found out my landlord is billing me for water I did not use - help!?

Question

When I first moved into this unit, my landlord notified me that I have to pay for water and that it is about $60 every two months. My first couple of bills averaged to about $75 (36gal/day consumption). I've been here over two years now and since the last $78 bill, my water bills have skyrocketed to up to $125 at the highest. I know this is my fault for not reviewing my bill thoroughly - but I also have never paid for water before and was thinking that maybe I just really use a lot of water. But after my quick research, I found the cause of my huge water bill. A garden hose directly behind my unit is used by the landlord (he lives in the same building) to clean all around his property and water his backyard at the minimum once a week. In some of the months, he did some renovations with his property and of course, cleaned all around every day. I guess, I don't care too much that he cleans but would have been nice if I knew I was paying for the water he used. My problem now is how to come up with a "fair" amount to bill my landlord back. Even though he hasn't been fair - I still am. He has lived in this property for almost 10 years now and I've only been here 2yrs... I'm sure he knew I am getting billed for the back garden hose and not him. I'm so upset! I am moving but I do want to clear this up with him ASAP.

Fun Facts - My lowest consumption is 36gal/day. Highest is 241 gal/day. In April, I was out of the country for 3 weeks and my consumption still came up to 94gal/day ($100 bill). Also, even at my lowest consumption of 36gal/day, I know for sure that my landlord used his water so often that my real consumption should really be lower than 36gal/day. Besides water, I also pay for water, sewage, and city agency fee which are all pro-rated depending on how much water I consume. I only use water in the unit for shower every other day (about 10 mins), hand washing dishes, and toilet. I don't wash car nor do I do any laundry and have no dishwasher. Any suggestions on how to handle? I'm pretty stumped. HELP PLEASE!!!

Answer 1

I'm stumped too, sorry.  Still, I would simply take my best wild out of the blue guess (he owes for 40% of the bills, maybe 50%, maybe more???) and tell him that is your best guess and so you want him to either pay you this amount or come up with a better guess, including how he got his number.  If he refuses to pay or comes up with a really low guess I think you are going to have to take him to small claims court.  If things go this way you can just show the judge all your figures and hopefully they can make a better guess.  Generally judges need proof to charge the landlord but since in this case the landlord was clearly cheating you I thin the judge may go ahead even with marginal proof.

Answer 2

So you have the proof in the bills, great.  Now record him watering, record the time, day so on.  The take your written estimate on what you want reimbursed for or credit for rent.  If he refuses, tell him your next option is taking him to court.  

If your lowest cons. is 36 being fair would be an average of 40.  Did the landlord notify you in writing of the bill amout of 60 every 2 months? If not ask him to put that in writing, so you will have the proof if you decide court is your only option.  

Answer 3

d**n where do you live in the desert?

Answer 4

Legally...unless the landlord is paying the water bill (or any utility) out of the rent money...each apartment unit has to have it's own water meter (even if several units are in the same building).   Contact your city water dept for advice

Answer 5

Send a letter to the guy and tell him your problem. I'm sure he would not mind, and what do you have to lose. Try to negotiate a price with him and tell him your story. If he wants you to pay for it all then just send him 80% of the bill.

Regards

Answer 6

Are you getting a separate bill from the Water company?   Or is your landlord just sending you a bill?    If your getting the bill from the water company call them for help.

If the landlord is giving you a bill, then call your city housing dept for help.    The landlord most likely should be paying for the full water bill and sewage charge.

Answer 7

i would confront him about it, and see what he says or does he should know he is in the wrong here...if that doesnt work contact the company that owns your building and talk to his boss...  

Answer 8

It all depends on the agreement you had with him.

Did you have your own meter ?

ALso prices have gone up.

Answer 9

You either have to present the hose fact to him and have him pay for the overage (that he used) or take him to small claims court.  There really isn't any in between.  If he's a fair and reasonable person, he will pay for the excess water he has used.  You can only ask nicely and be polite (but firm about your belief and decision).  Otherwise you'll have to file a small claim case, get your water bills and consumption use together, take a photo of the hose and even better a photo of him actually using the hose (really solid proof).  In a small claims case, you should be able to win out in a worse case scenario!

Answer 10

If your manger is working for a realty company, phone them, and tell them. They are always willing to help their customers, so they will be on your side.