Can the Landlord keep utility services in his/her name but charge the tenant?
NO. If the tenant is to pay for a utility service, there must be a separate meter for the tenant’s unit when there are 2 or more units within the same building and the tenant must have this service connected in their name. If the Landlord wishes the utility to be registered in the Landlord’s name, the rent requested for the unit should be adjusted accordingly for the anticipated cost. If the lease states the utility is the owner’s responsibility, NO ADDITIONAL MONEY can be collected from the tenant no matter what the cost of the utility.
