Renter Not Granting Access to Cellar for Meter Readings. Options ?
I am the owner of a two unit building/row house. I live in the upstairs duplex and the tenant lives downstairs. We do not have access to the cellar due to the configuration of the rental….We have received notices from the gas company, as the electronic meter reading does not seem to be working. Our…
I am the owner of a two unit building/row house. I live in the upstairs duplex and the tenant lives downstairs. We do not have access to the cellar due to the configuration of the rental….We have received notices from the gas company, as the electronic meter reading does not seem to be working. Our tenant has not allowed access/is not home – and not has provided permission for us to grant access (previous tenants did when needed with advance notice and this was never a problem). Note this is the first time we have requested access ever of this tenant and it is proving to be a problem. In addition we are doing renovations soon that will require cutting of the gas line for an hour or so (it is in everyone’s interest !) which will also require access to the cellar. What recourse is available to us ? We have already tried phone calls and emails and do not get a response. Note we have been on good terms, but granting access seems to be an issue. Thanks !
I’m with ab1080. Some people are flakey like that. Some people are hostile jerks. Without more data it is hard to know which describes your tenant.
If you can’t go knock when they’re home, leave a note on the door 48 hours in advance and let the meter reader in yourself.
Don’t sweat the overcharge. If Keyspan or ConEd finally reads the meter and sees they’ve billed you for more than you’ve used, they’ll credit your account accordingly.
Leave a note on their door letting them know that the meter reader will be coming on xx day at xx time and you will be present and you as the landlord will be present and providing access to the cellar. Just make sure it’s 24/48 hours notice (whatever is in the lease). Write your phone and email on the note, or ask them to come up and speak if you if they have any questions or problems before xx date. Email them a copy of the same note so you have record of it.
Could simply be the case of a flaky tenant who keeps meaning to get back to you but forgets. Better communication sounds like the first step to try in this situation. In person communication is always helpful. Go knock on their door when you hear them moving around the apartment.
Seems to me like the owner should advise the tenant to begin looking for another apartment. I’m not talking about eviction proceedings, just thinking toward the future. If I had a tenant who was so unbending and uncooperative, I’m pretty sure I would feel uncomfortable. I would not want to feel that way in my own building.
sounds like an emergency to me, if you are being overcharged. send a certified letter!
Maly, i think you are right bout that.
The wording in the OP is a little confusing as to whether the tenant does not want to grant the owner access or does not want the owner to give the utility ongoing access to the unit. As a renter I would not be pleased if my landlord gave a key to National Grid and some guy (the meter reader) was letting himself into my apt without prior notice each time. Of course the owner should be given access with notice.
I rented from a landlord a few years ago who didn’t seem to understand that she needed to give me 24 hours notice before she entered the apartment unless it was an actual emergency situation, although I told her this many times and we were on good terms. She would always respond “oh don’t worry I just needed to let someone in to do some work.”
you own the house. i agree with rick, write them a certified letter/mail it and tell them that you are coming in on a certain date to read the meters! i would do this once a month.
As I see it the issue of not having access to the cellar has ramifications far more important than your gas meter not being read. Who will shut the water main, if there’s a leak? Who will check the boiler or furnace if the heat goes out? As the owner, you’re responsible. You MUST have access. This is also very much in your tenant’s interest.
Are you sure that you tenant is home when the meter reader comes by. My meter reader for Con-Ed and National Grid usually arrive at my houe after 9am. You can read the meters yourself and call the results numbers in.