Our appartment complex is saying we owe late fees. We have paid our rent on time every month but they have been, for the past few months, ta...

Question

Our appartment complex is saying we owe late fees. We have paid our rent on time every month but they have been, for the past few months, taking the water bill out of the rent and calling it late. On our lease it clearly states the water bill is seperate. I am going to talk to the manager but would like some 'verbal ammo' before i go. Thanks

Answer

Believe me, you are wasting your time. If they are taking out for utilities provided in the Lease agreement, they darn well know they are doing so. Your communications need to be in writing, citing the Lease sections saying they pay for water, sent by Certified Mail Return Receipt. In a worse case scenario (if they come to your door and confront you) you need to record the conversation, whilen asking them to contact you only in writing on this matter.

I've seen complexes do this knowing/thinking that no one will complain and then retaliating with lease "violations" if one does to try to get rid of you. State Law protects you from this and from any retaliation. If your letter does not work, then you really need to talk to a lawyer to represent you. At that point, I'd be glad to sit down to discuss it and likely will take the matter for a contingency fee. They are in default of their Owner's obligations under the Lease. Best wishes.

Edward Kazaleh

Attorney Mediator Arbitrator

use this personal email: [email protected]/* */ if you need to reach me.