Help with a tennant/landlord situation?

Question

Hi, I just moved out of my house...gave the landlord 30 days notice (actually it was more like 45 days notice). I called the electric company yesterday to have the electricity put back in his name, they told me that they won't do that without his permission. They tried to reach him, but couldn't. Then they called me back and told me that since they couldn't reach him, I was still responsible for the electricity. Since it is winter, and I have moved out, they told me that they are shutting off the power on Wednesday. I have tried to reach the landlord multiple times, but he has shut off his voice mail! The electric company told me that when they shut the power off, if there is any damage to the house (burst pipes, etc) I would be legally responsible! Is that true? Am I off the hook because I DID give the landlord notice and it should be his responsibility to contact the electric company? After all its HIS house! I am very stressed about this, I don't know why he has shut off his voice mail...I don't want anything to happen to the house, but I have my own electric bill to pay in my new place. Any advice appreciated.

Update:

He did not acknowledge my notice, but i called him and let him know that I would be leaving the key in a particular room. I don't even want my security deposit back, I told him in the letter giving my notice that he could keep it (just wanted to leave with no hassles). House is clean and neat, I made a lot of repairs and its actually in better shape than when I moved in.

Update 2:

Thank you Deb, I will do that immediately.

deb s · Accepted Answer

Send the Electric company a letter (always do this is writing).   Tell them you have moved..give them the date.

They must put the bill back into the owners' name as of that date.   It isn't a choice.
Always do this is writing.  Never verbal.

ca_surveyor · Answer

Since this is TUESDAY already, it sounds like you need to err on the side of caution to avoid any damages.  A couple of days of power charges are much less then re-plumbing his house.

Sooooo....my suggestion

1)  Call up the utility companies and have the turn off put over for a week.
2)  Send a letter to them which restates that.
3)  Send a copy of that letter and a notice to the landlord by registered mail if you are unable to find him.   I am going to assume you have moved faaaar away and there is a reason why you can not simply go back and tell him directly.
4)  Don't rely  on voice mail that is a foolish choice.. It is not a legal defense if something goes wrong... your rental should be terminated with a written letter like any other legal contract.

D.E.B.S. · Answer

Send a certified letter to where ever you normally send your rent checks.  You have no further obligation to him after that.

I'm curious, did he acknowledge your 30 day notice?  You should keep an eye on your deposit.  Make sure he follows the law for your state on this one.  Most states have laws on the books regarding having to itemize and return your deposit within 3 to 6 weeks.  If he's not responding to you now I'd be concerned about getting any money back.

gossard · Answer

i'll of course supply my seat to the previous guy or woman. In a bus it is a lot crowded, how can the previous guy or woman even circulate to the senior citizen's seat? properly, i'm a little ones and it would not soreness to stand for a on an identical time as.

? · Answer

When you sent him notice, did you get a receipt back so that you KNOW he knows you moved out?  How do you even know he knows you've moved.  If you got a receipt and he's aware then turn off the power.  Mine is set up to automatically revert to my name when then tenant moves out.

? · Answer

Don't worry about it being in HIS name, just have it shut off and get it out of YOUR name.

Send him a certified letter explaining thathe needs ot have it switched to his name, effective the day you vacated.

Landlord · Answer

No, you are not off the hook.  How did you return the keys to him?    It does not sound like he has even taken possession yet, you are liable for everything until he has possession.

cessnaflight · Answer

Do what I do GET THE EXPERTS ON YOUR SIDE call your attorney NOW!

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Help with a tennant/landlord situation?

8 Answers