Termination of Utilities vs End of lease?

Question

I terminated my utilities on 5/19, moved out 5/9 but the lease ended 6/9. The landlord was fully away of my physical move-out date and looked forward to taking over the keys early, so he could show the unit to prospective renters. However he held me to the end of my lease - fine.

Am I repsonsible for the difference in utilities? I called both the gas and electric today and confirmed the termination date of 5/19 and a $0 balance. Shouldn't the balance from 5/20-6/9 be zero if nothing is plugged in or running? My landlord has informed me that he'll deduct the balance from my deposit, is he required to provide me with a copy of the "alledged balance?" He has been scamming me on other issues throughout the course of my rental agreement. :( Thanks.

Answer 1

You have to remember that the fridge is still plugged in and running off electricity all the time. Did you turn off the AC? So even if no one is living there  there will be some sort of bill.

Now i don't think that you should be responsible for the 2 weeks that you weren't living there and since they would have people in there cleaning and painting they will be using electricity and running the AC that you aren't responsible for.  The bill shouldn't be very much for just having the fridge plugged in.

Answer 2

While technically it maybe the case, say if you had left in the winter under the same conditions, it may ave been reasonable to require you to supply heat until the end of the contract so the pipes did not freeze

As such it does not mean in the summer the landlord can run the a/c and have workers using power tools during the period of 5/19 to 6/9 and expect you to pay

So in reality how much monies can we really be talking about?  when you get the deductions send a letter requesting the actual receipts and if you feel the landlord is taking advantage then sue them in small claims

Answer 3

If your lease stated that you were responsible to obtain and maintain utility service through the lease term, the landlord can deduct the utility costs from your deposit from the move out date through the termination date. The cost should be minimal.

Answer 4

Since he hasn't yet verified the termination of utilities, merely keep all the paperwork they sent you as proof of a zero balance.