How do i write a letter to a tenant telling them they must start paying their own utilities?

Question

How do i write a letter to a tenant telling them they must start paying their own utilities?

Answer 1

this is an increase. add this note at start of new lease.

Answer 2

what does your lease say with the tenant? you can not just change the terms in the middle of a lease if month to month then give proper notice to change the terms

also are the utilities separated

Answer 3

Write it business-like and to the point.  If the lease requires them to pay utilities and they don't, you have grounds for eviction.  

You should have it set up so utilities are transferred to the tennants name at the inception of the lease.  However, if you are in one of those situations where some (or all) of the utilities are in your name then you divide them between two or more tennants, you have to know the proceedure for evicting tennants who don't uphold the terms of the lease.

Answer 4

you just write it, business-like

however, IF they have a lease and the lease doesn't say they have to pay their own utilities, you can't change the game in the middle of the lease

why aren't the tenants paying their own utilities?  it's normal for them to do so. . . .did you have an agreement they didn't have to?

how long has this been going on?

Answer 5

If they are mid-written lease, you can't.  Because that would be a violation of the lease.

However, if you don't have a written lease, or you have a month-to-month arrangement, you have to give them a 30-day notice.

Answer 6

If you have a lease, then you can't do this until the lease expires.

If you are on a month to month lease, then tell them that you are not changing the lease amount, but starting on September 1, 2008 (you need to give at least 30 days notice), the tenant will be paying the utilties.  Ask that they have the accounts transferred to their name by this date.

However, keep in mind that they may say no and end the month to month lease.