I am moving at the end of the month. I’m still going to be renting, but I’m fortunate to be renting a house instead of being boxed into an apartment building. Along with this, I am responsible for the utilities – which is fine, except that there is one utility I’ve never had to pay for before. When I called to get it hooked up, I discovered that they don’t do credit checks, but instead it’s an automatic $300 deposit that they hold for 24 months for new services. As an alternative, if you can get a letter from the other major utility we all need stating that you have a perfect payment history, they’ll waive the deposit. Sounds like a decent alternative, except that it discriminates against those in unfortunate circumstances.
See, I’ve been off work for medical reasons, and the place I’m living in now wasn’t completely truthful about what was included in the rent. With my current situation, I’ve ended up paying the utilities for myself and another apartment – and I just can’t afford that, hence why I’m moving. Yes, the landlord is aware but didn’t really do much about it. So yes, my pay history with the other utility is a bit off but it’s always gotten paid within 6 weeks. I have a valid reason for that (I was sick, and on assistance) – and I find it really discriminatory that I now have to pay a $300 fee for a utility that everyone needs access to to be able to survive just because I’ve never had service before. —Water Woes
This article appears in Feb 14-20, 2013.
sorry to hear. it is hard living on a fixed income i would imagine. no advice to offer. good luck op.
What do you mean by they weren’t truthful in the lease? It is not a landlord’s responsibility to know what every utilities’ policies are. they do have to check off what is included. Anything else, unfortunately, is up to you. If you have a dispute with the landlord you can take them to the Tenancy Board for a hearing. The cost is around $30 or so.
$300 deposit for water??? holy crap! at first i thought she was talking about phone, because you can rack up $300 in long distance in one day, but water? surely they could cut the service if you exceed $300 before paying.
And Survivor is back!
jk
p
bro tim she said that she was paying a utility for 2 units – thats where the dishonesty was!
It’s still simple, if “Water included” is checked off in the lease then she is off the hook and again go to the Tenancy Board and file an Application to Director.
I’ve got a well ~:D
Which means …. Idon’t get a ‘sewer charge either ~:DDDDDDD ! ! !!
you had to pay a $300 deposit for water??
I assume that’s what you mean since you signed your name “water woes”.
See i’m curious op because, like you, i also moved into a house (last week actually) and like you i am also renting. And op like you i have a few spots, far back i’ll admit, but spots nonetheless, in my utility history.
Nobody asked ME for a downpayment.
I’m guessing you have A LOT OF SPOTS. because normally a hefty insurance fee is only applied to those who have failed to pay in the past. Repeatedly.
You’re right, it is discrimination. You cannot discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation and most recently, financial hardship. Exercise your tenant rights or better yet, move somewhere you can afford with water included.
I know some landlords prefer to rent to someone on Welfare.They feel they’re guaranteed the rent money.
…..”my pay history with the other utility is a bit off but it’s always gotten paid within 6 weeks. I have a valid reason for that (I was sick, and on assistance) “
Ummm, since when was this a valid reason? You consume you pay …. this is the new math!
People excuse themselves from obligations for a myriad of reasons yet continue to expect to receive the service.
Your predicament is unfortunate but planning for life’s unexpected is necessary. Regardless of the income a percentage should be put in an emergency account which would cover the monthly bills for at least 8 months. Twenty years ago I used to follow the rule of three months but things are harder these days and eight months would be the target.
You think this is hard to do? Nope, if you start now perhaps in 10 years you may have the required amount …. and here is hoping most of us never need to tap into it.