I'm a small business owner- my A/C has gone out my landlord has informed me that i am responsible for repairs

Question

there are 14 suites in the building from which i rent. How can this be legal?

Answer 1

Check your lease, I doubt you are all sharing one unit.

But your lease should specify who pays for repairs while you are renting.  It is usually the tenant, but not always.

Answer 2

This is what's known as "leasehold improvements."  You'll want to check with your accountant to see how the cost of these repairs should be reflected on your books.  Depending on your lease, the total cost, and various income tax laws, the A/C repairs could be an expense to you OR could be recorded as an asset on your balance sheet.

Your lease will spell out exactly what repairs are your responsibility and which are the landlord's.  If you think the lease may violate local or state laws, call your state's Attorney General's office or find your state's agency that oversees commercial real estate and landlords.  They can tell you whether or not a landlord can require you to pay for repairs.  

Answer 3

Check your lease agreement, but it doesn't sound legal to me. most states make it the property owner's responsibility. You have renter's rights even as a business entity. I don't know what they are in your area.  

Answer 4

Check your rental agreement.  If its there, its legal.