Electricity shut off

[Woralak Bryant]

I have a question and would like to consult a lawyer about this or someone who is an expert. My tenants had been living at my property for almost 1 year (least end Aug 31). In April they had a roof leak problem, I got it all fixed by the end of May (nearly 2 months). Now they are behind in electricity bills and I let it go since I took so long to fix the roof and feel bad about it. At the end of May, I asked them to make Payments for accumulated electric bills as it was adding up and becoming so large. (The arrangement was that they pay me for electricity because they share electric with other unit.) and they started to complain about roof leak which caused them hardship. Sooooo I reduced rent by 1/2 for May-Aug (which equals to 2 months of free rent). I sent a letter saying that the lease ends in Aug and I do not wish to renew. They stop paying anything from that point no rent and no bills. They said they will not be able to leave until the end of Aug “as agreed” but I did not agree to that. It only true if they are current on bills and rent ( which they are not). They owed me 3 months electric and 2 months worth of rent now. Im working on filing an eviction, but I do not want the electric in my name any longer because it just isn’t right for me to keep paying if they are not paying me. Electric company is willing to stop my service but they can’t do anything if tenant starts a service in their name for Aug. they use about 2-300$ per month in electricity. Can I stop the service??? Please advise.. 🙏 

Sorry about the broken English. I appreciate your time to read my post.

This is in Illinois.

[Theresa Harris]

How did the roof leaking cause them hardship?  Let them know unless rent is paid in full, you will evict them and then start with the eviction-don't take any sob stories.  Unfortunately, you can't turn off the electricity-you can ask the electric company what happens if the tenant doesn't put it in their name. If the electricity is shared between two units (and on one meter), it may not be possible to have it put in their name.