Landlord changed electric to gas in September told me yesterday

[Rebecca Slone]

I received a phone call yesterday from the real estate company that manages our home.  She stated that I owed over $900 in gas bill and that it had not been transferred to my name. I explained that we have been in residence since July 2016 and never had gas.  She called the owner of the home and he told her that he had it changed over last year.  Apparently, the real estate company was not advised.  This means someone gained entry into my home with no notification and that no written notice of change of utlity from electric to gas heat was given since last year. That at this time, they have said they are sorry and that they will pay the over $900 in order for me to put the gas bill in my name and that they will give me 3mths to repay at over $300/mth plus rent of $950 plus gas deposit of $250 plus new bill for gas on top of all my other bills.  The lease states that I am responsible for all bills and to place in my name, however, no gas was in the residence at time of lease and for over 6mths a gas bill has been accruing that I could have dealt with easier with a small bill.  

I know that they violated the lease agreement and she also said that we have the choice to pay the bill or move.  I am moving in May for the summer to be with my spouse who is military at Tyndall and then moving back to Kentucky in fall for our childrens schooling.  Even if they were to agree to pay the $900, I would still have another bill plus deposit to pay for on top of all my bills.

What rights do I have? Can I request that the heat be switched back to electric? I have had issues with landlords past 4 times and I am up for getting a lawyer if need be. 

Thank you