Landlord won't provide copy of water bill

[MarkAM]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I share a duplex with another couple (who are wonderful, despite their new triplets). The water bill is in our landlord's name and he has always let us know what the water bill is so that we can split it. Until recently, it was reasonable and, although I asked for copies of the bill, I never pushed the issue. Recently, the bills have gotten out of hand (almost three times what they were a year ago). I have requested, verbally and in writing, 4 times over the last 3 months to receive copies of the water bills so that I would know what they truly are. I believe that the landlord is just making up the bills (or requesting that both of us pay the full share). Neither he, nor his wife, will provide copies of the bills. The last time I tried calling him the number came back "provider refuses to allow incoming calls" and her phone is now being answered by a woman who speaks very little English.

Aside from subpoenaing the bills and taking them to Small Claims Court, how can I find out what the bill is? The last time I tried just not paying until they showed me the bill I had a 3-day pay or quit hanging on my door, so I paid the bill.

Thanks, in advance, for your advice.

 

[CraigFL]

We need to know what your lease contract says about the utilities/water.

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I share a duplex with another couple (who are wonderful, despite their new triplets). The water bill is in our landlord's name and he has always let us know what the water bill is so that we can split it. Until recently, it was reasonable and, although I asked for copies of the bill, I never pushed the issue. Recently, the bills have gotten out of hand (almost three times what they were a year ago). I have requested, verbally and in writing, 4 times over the last 3 months to receive copies of the water bills so that I would know what they truly are. I believe that the landlord is just making up the bills (or requesting that both of us pay the full share). Neither he, nor his wife, will provide copies of the bills. The last time I tried calling him the number came back "provider refuses to allow incoming calls" and her phone is now being answered by a woman who speaks very little English.

Aside from subpoenaing the bills and taking them to Small Claims Court, how can I find out what the bill is? The last time I tried just not paying until they showed me the bill I had a 3-day pay or quit hanging on my door, so I paid the bill.

Thanks, in advance, for your advice.

If you are required by your lease to pay a portion of the water bill, you are entitled to see the total bill you are being asked to pay along with a breakdown of your share. Advise the LL that you refuse to pay any portion of that water bill until they comply and show you the actual utility bills (NOT photocopies, because they can be manipulated).

If the LL tries to serve you with a 3-day notice to pay or quit, be aware that the 3-day pay or quit notice CANNOT be used to collect anything other than rent due. The LL's notice is not legally effective if it includes any charges other than for past-due rent (such as late charges, unpaid utility charges, dishonored check fees, or interest). As long as your rent is paid in full and current, you CANNOT be evicted on a pay or quit notice.

Do not let the LL bully you into overpaying. Once you are able to get the utility bills to compare with, you might see that you have been overpaying for sometime, and you can always sue them to recover your overpayments.

 

[FarmerJ]

Read your water meter now and read it every month from now on subtract and call your water utility and ask them with x amount of use what the charges would be , I cant see a reason for them to refuse to tell you, water & sewer rates are public information. ( if they ask your free to tell them your LL has you reimburse water use but will not provide a copy of the bills) If there is a water leak in the other unit that too can drive up water consumption so reading the meter more than once a month can show you spikes in use.