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We have a rental house that has had the gas cut off because the tenants has not paid the bill. They are using electric heaters in every room in the house for heat. My question is, is the insurance still valid in case of a fire caused by using the space heaters. This is at best a 50 year old house that has not had any major electrical work done on it (except for kitchen) in a long time.
They called the other day and said one of the breakers keeps tripping. Husband put new breaker in but we're sure the cause is the extra electricity they're using to heat the house.
Sorry this is so jumbled up. Thanks for any advice.
Only your carrier can answer that but if the heaters are say 20amp and they plug into a 20amp outlet what’s the problem. If your worried about it ask to see the heaters to make sure they are not overloading the outlet.
Standard Apartment House Association and California Association on Realtor Rental Agreements I've seen require tenants maintain utility service(s) as listed in the Rental Agreement.
From what you said, I would start with a 3-day notice to perform and take it from there...
Of course, the only reliable advice is from an attorney representing you.
From past experience... utility company doesn't shut off without notice and these situations almost never get better... time to make a decision.
Does the lease have a clause in it to maintain the utilities? If there is, then start eviction process. If they can't pay the utilities, the next person they can't pay is going to be YOU.
As long as you have taken steps to protect the property, the insurance company may cover any loses. The only way to be sure is to check with the insurance company. I said MAY.
Is the electric in your name or thiers? if it is your name, you can turn it off if it is endangering your property by over use in a dangerous way.
Does the lease have a clause in it to maintain the utilities? If there is, then start eviction process. If they can't pay the utilities, the next person they can't pay is going to be YOU.
As long as you have taken steps to protect the property, the insurance company may cover any loses. The only way to be sure is to check with the insurance company. I said MAY.
Is the electric in your name or thiers? if it is your name, you can turn it off if it is endangering your property by over use in a dangerous way.
Be very careful turning off contracted utility service... the last thing you need is to be defending yourself against a "Constructive Eviction" lawsuit or worse... contributing to an unsafe condition where the tenants start using candles or kerosene heat because the Landlord had the power turned off.
Yes, it is going to be best to contact your insurance company or broker. Each company will have a different view on this and if you don't find out soon it could be a problem for you in the future.
Thanks for all the responses. There is not a clause in the rental agreement/lease. We will check with the insurance company, but I just wanted to opinions from some "experts." I think we need to sell the property and quit fooling with people.
Thanks for all the responses. There is not a clause in the rental agreement/lease. We will check with the insurance company, but I just wanted to opinions from some "experts." I think we need to sell the property and quit fooling with people.
Managing Rental Property is a business and can be a very difficult one...
Can't speak for insurance company policy... I do know it has become harder to get basic fire policies for Rentals and many small operators are getting non-renewed... with or without a claims history in my little corner of CA
Thanks for all the responses. There is not a clause in the rental agreement/lease. We will check with the insurance company, but I just wanted to opinions from some "experts." I think we need to sell the property and quit fooling with people.
Thats how I got about 50% of my properties
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