Utility Bill Responsibility: Guidelines for Changing Who Pays

Did you know that your landlord can't just switch up who pays for utilities whenever they feel like it? There are rules they have to follow, and you have rights to protect you.

Let's break it down. If your landlord wants to change things so that you're the one footing the bill for utilities instead of them, they have to give you a heads up. 

• They need to tell you at least 30 days before they make the switch. 
• If you're already locked into a lease, they have to give you this heads up at least 30 days before your lease ends. 765 ILCS 735/1.2(b).

But wait, there's more! If both you and your landlord are cool with changing who pays for utilities, that's totally fine too. But there's a catch – they have to write it all down, and both of you have to sign it. That way, everybody's on the same page.

Any rules in your lease that go against these rules aren't allowed. And remember, this doesn't change the relationship between you and the utility company. 765 ILCS 735/1.2(c).

Knowing your rights as a renter is important. If you have questions or problems with utility payments, don't hesitate to talk to your landlord or someone who knows about rental laws. Your home should always have the utilities you need, and you deserve to know who's responsible for paying for them