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Can the oil company make me responsible for collecting from my tenants?

Can the oil company make me responsible for collecting from my tenants?

Q: Which of the following is a responsibility of a tenant?

Tenants are typically responsible for paying rent on time, maintaining the property in good condition, and adhering to lease agreements. They must also pay for utilities, like heating, if stipulated in the lease. It's important to review the lease for specific responsibilities, as they can vary.

Q: How long can someone live with you without being on the lease?

The duration someone can live with you without being on the lease depends on the lease terms and local laws. Many leases allow guests to stay for a limited time, often around 14 to 30 days, before requiring them to be added to the lease. Check your lease and local regulations for specific rules.

Q: How long do landlords have to provide heat?

Landlords are required to provide heat during the heating season, which typically runs from October 1 to May 31 in many states, including New York. They must maintain specific temperature levels during this period. If they fail to do so, tenants can file complaints with local housing authorities.

Q: Can I sue my landlord for not having heat?

Yes, you can sue your landlord for not providing heat if it violates your lease agreement or local housing laws. Before taking legal action, it's advisable to notify your landlord in writing about the issue and give them a chance to fix it. If they fail to respond, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Full question:

My tenants are required to pay for their own oil heat and are each billed separately and always have been. After 20 years the oil company is now saying I have to pay for all tenant oil deliveries and bill them each myself and be liable if they don't pay for the oil. I never agreed to that and have never been billed for their oil or agreed to be liable for it. who is liable under the LAW--the tenant with the account or the landlord who owns the building but didn't buy the oil ?Can the oil company do this? Can they make the landlord liable for payment of oil deliveries to his tenants? Each tenant has their own contract and account with the oil company .

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maine

Answer:

In some areas, the property owner is responsible for some utility bills. It is typically allowed by a local ordinance, rather than a state statute. Ordinances are generally enforced as long as they aren't unconstitutional, despite a citizen's lack of awareness of the law. If you are responsible, you have to pay or a lien may be placed on the property. Then you may locate the old tenant so you can sue for the extra money the tenant owes.

Some utilities will not allow you to opt out of this obligation. Some force the property owner to be the guarantor of the tenant. If the tenant does not pay, the company pursues the property owner for the money. If the owner does not pay, the company places a lien on the property. See if opting out is an option for you. Also, make sure the utility marks the payment as being from you and not the tenant. The tenant shouldn't be able to get service at any other place until he pays the utility company and the company may refund your money.

I'm unable to determine where the utility company is located. I suggest you refer to the contact information below for further information on local ordinances:

http://www.town.camden.me.us/Contact.cfm

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the minimum heat for a tenant?

The minimum heat requirement for tenants varies by state and local ordinances. Generally, landlords must provide adequate heating to ensure a safe and habitable living environment. This often means maintaining indoor temperatures of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 degrees at night in colder months. Check your local housing codes for specific requirements in your area.

Which of the following is a responsibility of a tenant?

How long can someone live with you without being on the lease?

Is it illegal to not have heat in New York?

Yes, in New York, landlords are legally required to provide heat to tenants. The New York City Housing Maintenance Code mandates that buildings must maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees at night from October 1 to May 31. Failure to provide heat can lead to legal action against the landlord.