Tenants steal landlord's electricity - Landlord Forum thread 338296

Tenants steal landlord's electricity by Michelle L (PA) on August 23, 2015 @21:47

I have one tenant, his electricity was shut off by PPL, the electric company, and now he is trying to steal my electricity, first from the hallway outlet, we found it,and turned the break inside the storage room off and locked the storage room, then he tried to steal from the outlet of shared washer and dryer, we found it, and we turned off the breaker of the washer and dryer (and all other tenants can not use the washer and dryer because of HIM!), now he even broke into our storage room and turn the breaker on by HIMSELF!, I am so frustrating and out of wits, don't know what to do with him. My electric bill increased by 40% last month, and this is just the beginning...Any idea what I can do? I will really appreciate it...

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Re: Tenants steal landlord's electricity by Garry (Iowa) on August 23, 2015 @23:49	[ Reply ]

The only way I know of to "steal" electricity from 1 apartment, to another, is by use of a drop cord. If you find one that you think is illegal, or a fire hazard, call the fire dept, and the police. Have them take a look and make a determination for you. They can talk to the T about it, which will make a greater, lasting impression on him, than you EVER will. If the police say that it's "stealing", have them inform the T that if it happens again, you will press criminal charges against him. You do need to turn the W/D plugs back on, as the other Ts in the building should not have to suffer from how the "bad" T is acting. Yes, this is going to cost you some money until you can get rid of this person. Question----does your city have in it's code that a person cannot inhabit a dwelling unless all utilities are on ? If they do, call the city inspector, and see what they can do for you. Is his rent paid up? Usually if someone cannot pay the utilities, they can't pay the rent, either. Start eviction procedures for your state as soon as the rent is not paid.

Re: Tenants steal landlord's electricity

Re: Tenants steal landlord's electricity by Nicole (PA) on August 24, 2015 @07:24	[ Reply ]

DO NOT call codes or the fire dept. They will cite YOU, not the tenant. File for eviction TODAY. Check the box for "damages for injury to the real property" and "damages for unjust detention" and "forfeiture has resulted by reason of ..." how has this gone on for 6 weeks (since you already received the prior month's bill, it's been at least 6 weeks).

Re: Tenants steal landlord's electricity

Re: Tenants steal landlord's electricity by Garry (Iowa) on August 24, 2015 @08:19	[ Reply ]

Well, Michelle, since I and Nicole somewhat disagree on the way to handle things, ( we both agree you should evict the guy), another option is to call an attorney, and get their opinion on the situation. The A. can give you an opinion as to if "stealing' electricity will hold up in court. If you end up going to court for that reason, you will need pics of any drop cords running from the outlets, to the apartment. And also 1-2 witnesses who can also go to court with you to tell a judge what they saw. You will also need something from the electric company saying the E. was totally off in the Ts apartment on a given date. And copies of your E. bills to show the increase in them once the T started using your E. A case like this is more complicated than a case for unpaid rent. I hope I and Nicole have helped you out, or at least given you some ideas.

Re: Tenants steal landlord's electricity