Utility Bill Responsibility: When the Lease Says the Landlord Pays the Utility Bills
Are you a tenant in a rented apartment or house? Do you wonder who should pay for water, gas, or electricity? Let's break it down in simple terms so you know your rights under the Illinois Rental Property Utility Service Act.
Disclosure of Utility Bill Responsibility
The lease should say who’s responsible for paying for the utilities.
- The tenant for one, some, or all; OR
- The landlord for one, some, or all.
If the lease says that your landlord is responsible for paying utility bills, they need to make sure these services, like water, gas, and electricity, are always available to you during your lease. And they should pay these bills on time so you don't lose these services. 765 ILCS 735/1.
When the Landlord Doesn’t Pay the Utility Bills
But what if your landlord doesn't pay the utility bills? Well, if you and other tenants are affected by this, you have options. You can:
- End your lease early. But remember, this doesn't get rid of any responsibilities you had in the lease before you ended it.
- Pay the utility bills yourself if not paying them puts your access to these services at risk. If you or other tenants pay the overdue utility bills, the utility company has to restore the services right away. They can't make you wait. Or, if you want, you can ask the utility company to put the bills in your name. But you have to show them you can pay and have a good record of paying bills in the past.
Utility companies can't cut off your water, gas, or electricity without giving you and other tenants notice. This notice tells you about the situation and gives you time to sort things out.
Now, here's the good news. Any money you or other tenants pay for utilities that your landlord was supposed to pay can be taken off your rent. So, if you paid for water, gas, or electricity because your landlord didn't, you won't have to pay that part of your rent. It's like getting a discount on your rent because you took care of the bills.
Remember, knowing your rights as a tenant is important. If you have questions or problems with utility payments, talk to your landlord or seek help from someone who knows the rules. Your home should always have the utilities you need, and you have the right to make sure that happens.
The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney.