renting home in union,nj is tenant responsible for water bill? (apartment, lease)

[dougjo]

We are renting a private home in new jersey and the landlord told us after we started renting that he will come time to time to basement apartment and stay weekend, and other times we can so called "hang out" there but not to put anyone to set up bedroom there. There is only one meter for the house not seperate utilities. He said we pay gas and electric. The water company came today to shut off water because bill hasn't been paid in quite sometime, we been here for 2 months. He never mentioned to us about paying water. I asked what utilities, he said gas,, electric.This all before we were aware that they would be poping up time to time to stay in the basement apartment.
Should we be paying all the utilities since one meter? Iv'e rented before and never paid water. Is that customary when renting a whole house?

Thanks for any help

[saralee]

Originally Posted by dougjo

We are renting a private home in new jersey and the landlord told us after we started renting that he will come time to time to basement apartment and stay weekend, and other times we can so called "hang out" there but not to put anyone to set up bedroom there. There is only one meter for the house not seperate utilities. He said we pay gas and electric. The water company came today to shut off water because bill hasn't been paid in quite sometime, we been here for 2 months. He never mentioned to us about paying water. I asked what utilities, he said gas,, electric.This all before we were aware that they would be poping up time to time to stay in the basement apartment.
Should we be paying all the utilities since one meter? Iv'e rented before and never paid water. Is that customary when renting a whole house?

Thanks for any help

That really depends upon what is outlined in the terms of the lease you signed. Generally, if there are multiple families residing in a multi-dwelling home, if there are not multiple meters, the owner pays the utilities and the cost is passed onto the tenants in the rent. I have rented New Jersey homes where I paid all utilities (water included) or none (of course I paid, but that cost was built into the rent). Again, it all goes back to what you agreed upon when you signed the lease.

If you didn't go over it with a fine tooth comb before signing, you might want to review it now.

Good luck!

SL

[Betty Ames]

I live in Yuma Arizonia. Do I pay the water bill if Im renting? I have for the past 3 yrs. I would really like to know.. Thanks for all the help

[Sergio M]

Read your lease. If the LL was resposible for the water, call the health department as well and notify them. The LL may need to put you up in a hotel until the water is turned on. Also, is there a separate electric meter for the basement? Or are you paying for it while he is there? If you do not have a lease, shame on you.