Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 10 years ago, 10/05/2014

User Stats

37
Posts
11
Votes
Bill Bell
  • Nags Head, NC
11
Votes |
37
Posts

Tenant Arbitrarily Paying Reduced Rent Per Claims of Excessive Electric Bills

Bill Bell
  • Nags Head, NC
Posted

I have an up/down rental where the upstairs tenant is responsible for the electric bill.    Over the past two months, the electric usage has been high and they have been arbitrarily deducting from the rent payment what they felt was necessary to offset the high bill.  I let it slide the last month ($60 deduction) as there were some contractors at the property to fix some minor issues; however, the latest bill for Sept was $50 higher than Aug causing them to shave $100 off the rent they paid.  

Additionally, in review of the elec bill:

July:  798 kWh

Aug:  1814 kWh

Sept:  2244 kWh

They occupied the property full term though those three months, yet a three-fold increase seems negligence to me.  Note, the upstairs host the central HVAC unit which is the core power draw, along with a 7 person hot tub.  

Note, I have had past issues with them, as they have been unhappy at the property for issues ranging problems with the neighbors, to claims of mold in the HVAC.  The female in the couple is a definite "alpha" personality type who thinks she "is always right."  Additionally, she resides at the property 24 hrs per day with a home based business.

All in all, not sure how to handle this one.  Should I hold their rent check (which is short $100), and contact them informing they are short and require full rent payment on/before due date, or should I allow the $100 deduction and more closely eye the property over the next month to look for signs of negligence such as leaving windows open while HVAC is running, or leaving exterior flood lights on 24 hrs per day?  Note, the property is only a few minutes from my house.

Loading replies...