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06-26-2011, 03:30 AM
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Who pays common area expenses?
Hi everyone,
Just joined this forum & could not find any threads about who is supposed to pay the common area electricity expenses?
I just found out tonight that the light outside my front door is connected to my electric panel, I am 100% sure that it is the responsibility of the owner of the property to pay for that expense!
I have lived in this apartment for 17 years having two different owners.
I think that I am entitled for a payback because no where on the rental agreement does it say that I pay for that expense!
What can I do besides installing an LED light bulb?
Thanks in advance!
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06-26-2011, 11:19 AM
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Location: Columbia, California
6,174 posts, read 9,579,356 times
Reputation: 3966
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I take this is a apartment. You should be receiving a small stipend to allow for the light if it is hard wired.
If you have a switch inside next to the door it is your responsibility.
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06-26-2011, 02:04 PM
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Location: The Bay Area
20,955 posts, read 10,217,984 times
Reputation: 12503
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I would love to see your breakdown of what that light bulb has cost you over 17 years. And I'd only bring it up if you are ok with a rent increase.
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06-26-2011, 02:06 PM
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11,699 posts, read 18,450,992 times
Reputation: 6746
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Assuming everyone has a light by their door, would it really matter if the owner paid for the electricity and bumped everyone's rent enough to cover it?
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06-26-2011, 02:32 PM
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Location: Aliso Viejo, Orange County, CA
1,455 posts, read 1,130,917 times
Reputation: 502
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia
Assuming everyone has a light by their door, would it really matter if the owner paid for the electricity and bumped everyone's rent enough to cover it?
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Excellent point. Sometimes it's best to be silent. |
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06-27-2011, 12:54 PM
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Location: Los Angeles
1,678 posts, read 1,183,216 times
Reputation: 1848
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If the light is wired into your meter, then you HAVE a light switch somewhere in your unit that controls that light.
If you don't have a switch, there is no way the light is wired into your light meter.
Being an apartment building, strict electrical codes had to be followed when the building was constructed, and it is highly doubtful that common areas lighting were wired directly into each apartment.
Is your apartment on the inside of the building with a hallway, or is it a unit that is accessed directly from the outside, like a house would be?
If it is the latter, your front door is not considered a common area.
Bob.
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06-27-2011, 04:43 PM
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1,586 posts, read 3,185,689 times
Reputation: 1259
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That's one helluva light bulb if you're just thinking about it now. Cost of replacing that lightbulb over the span of 17 years is probably more than you've paid in electric costs. That said, it sounds like others have pointed you in the right direction to figure out who should be paying.
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