non payment of rent - Landlord Forum thread 317460

non payment of rent by Anonymous on April 14, 2014 @12:04

I rented a room to a disabled man he is not paying rent and the internet was included as well as electricity. I know I cant turn off the power , even though he has run the bill sky high, but do I still have to supply internet service for him

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Re: non payment of rent by Bill on April 14, 2014 @12:45	[ Reply ]

If your lease covers the internet service then you must provide it. What you really need to do is to get rid of this tenant. Is the tenant month to month? If so, serve notice and move him out or raise the rent enough to cover all cost. What has the tenant done to run up the electric bill?

Re: non payment of rent

Re: non payment of rent by Katiekate (New York) on April 14, 2014 @12:47	[ Reply ]

The intent is to force him to move.....so, I would say a judge will still see it as "constructive" eviction. Were you going to cancel it for the hole house? Just change the password and disable the wifi...right? If you want him to leave...file for eviction on the basis of non-payment. There is a legal, defined method landlords are required to follow. Probably you need to understand the legal obligations of a landlord in your state as well as the legal remedies your state allows if you are going to be a landlord and stay out of legal trouble

Re: non payment of rent

Re: non payment of rent by Anonymous on April 14, 2014 @15:44	[ Reply ]

"Necessary utilities" is defined differently state-to-state. Constructive eviction involves only shutoff of utilities required for habitability -- typically that is electric heat and water, IAW your state law. TV and internet service are not included and do not typically contribute to constructive eviction.

Re: non payment of rent

Re: non payment of rent by Anonymous on April 15, 2014 @01:59	[ Reply ]

Internet service is not a utility that is necessary for habitability. Evict him if he is not paying the rent. Being disabled or having small children does not exclude a nonpaying tenant from eviction.