Oh my god I have THE biggest problem right now and I don't know who to talk to,
I have lived in my apartment for over four years in Venice ca. My rental agreement states that I pay $800.00 with my utilities paid (electricity and gas) When the first owner sold it, The new owner asked if I could put the gas account under my name and simply deduct if from the rent. (to avoid further disconnections)The building was sold again this time the management company came and asked about my rental agreement. I showed them the agreement and told them about the gas deduction and they understood and have been living without further annoyance. Now, the owner has let go of the management company and wants to sell the property but has brought over the electricity bill to me and is demanding I pay it although the bill is under her name. I explained to her that I am not responsible for the utilities as stated in my rental agreement. the electricity and gas that runs throughout my apartment is connected
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to the washer and dryer,garage door opener, and actual garage system connected right behind us and it is all labeled Apt B, that is why utilities are covered. Now this year starting Feb 2008, she raised the rent from $800.00 to $840.00, this is understandable. But as soon as I explained to her the situation regarding the electricity bill, she sent me today another rental agreement for $990.00 plus wants me to pay the outstanding electricity bill. I know for a fact it is illegal to raise the rent more than once a year and illegal to make me pay her outstanding bill, I told her this when we spoke over the phone and she said and I quote "it's only a couple more hundred dollars..."
I have not signed anything but I do know this is illegal. She hung up on me saying "call me when you take care of the electricity bill..."
Also for the past 2 years the whole complex as an entirety have been asking for repairs for plumbing damage. The damage can be seen all over my apartment, from rotting walls