Hi everyone,
I don't know if it is a right place to ask this question or not. But I don't know anywhere else can help me to answer for this question.
I am a first house renter. I moved out last year and I had rented a small house near my workplace. I lived there for 4 months and I discovered that there was a leaking gas problem near the hot water system located outside. I had contacted the landlord and they sent a technician come to fix it.
I got 2 high bills during the leaking gas problem. The first bill is $620 and the second bill is $580. After the problem had been fixed, our gas bills dropped to $200. It's about $400 different. I have asked the real-estate agent and the landlord to help me to pay for half of the first 2 bills but they ignored it. They said that it wasn't their fault. However, I think they need to have responsibility about this because they are failed in providing a ready and safe place for tenant. The leaking gas was there before we move it. The provided a faulty facility for tenant.
They said that I have reported the leaking gas problem too late and it is my responsibility to pay for these bills. However, the leaking gas had been happened outside of the house. How can I aware of the problem???
I am thinking of logging my complain to Fair Trading office. However, I just want to make sure if I am right or they are right.
Is there anyone could help me please? I am very appreciate for your help and thank you very much in advance.
If you call or write to your gas company and explain that there was a leak, sometimes they give you a discount on the bill, worth a try. It has worked for me in the past with a water bill.
If the bill is your responsibility (gas isn't included as part of rent), I don't think you can get the landlord to pay, its on you to notice the usage is high. But call the tenants union in your state for advice.