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  1. #1

    Default Is a Landlord Responsible to Turn the Heat Back on if Tenant Altered the Meter

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Illinois

    My section 8 tenant was fined $1500 + past due bills by the utility company for altering the meter to steal heat. I want him to pay the fine and the owed utility bill payments to get the heat turned back on for himself and to prevent my pipes from freezing. If he does not do this, then:

    1. Could I be held liable by the Chicago Housing Authority for turning it back on even though it was the tenant's fault it went off? Could I lose my Section 8 voucher because of this?
    2. Could I be sued by the tenant for failure to provide heat?
    3. If the pipes froze as a result of this, does the insurance adjuster have any right refuse to pay the claim (by saying it was a result of me not turning the heat back on)?

    I'm losing sleep over this. Please help, and thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Section 8 Landlord Liable for Turning Heat Back on if Tenant Altered the Meter

    You should have a provision in your lease to evict him for this. I suggest you use it. It is not always wise to cut off your nose, to spite your face. Nor is it wise to leave of the heat and create thousands in damage for yourself.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
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    1,991

    Default Re: Section 8 Landlord Liable for Turning Heat Back on if Tenant Altered the Meter

    i have not found anything saying that it is the landlord's responsibility to put the heat in their name. I assume your lease requires the tenants to have heat and electric on and in their name? now would be a good time to start eviction for failing to maintain power before it does cause a pipe to freeze

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Is a Landlord Responsible to Turn the Heat Back on if Tenant Altered the Meter

    Quote Quoting strengthxpress
    View Post
    1. Could I be held liable by the Chicago Housing Authority for turning it back on even though it was the tenant's fault it went off? Could I lose my Section 8 voucher because of this?
    If your lease requires the tenant to secure and pay for gas, and all of your HVAC equipment works, I doubt it - but I can't speak for them. Call them in the morning and ask.
    Quote Quoting strengthxpress
    2. Could I be sued by the tenant for failure to provide heat?
    From what you have told us, you contracted to provide working heating equipment and have done so - and that it's the tenant's responsibility to secure and pay for gas. You appear to be living up to your end of the bargain.
    Quote Quoting strengthxpress
    3. If the pipes froze as a result of this, does the insurance adjuster have any right refuse to pay the claim (by saying it was a result of me not turning the heat back on)?
    Yes. Read your insurance policy, and consider talking to your insurance agent.

    Section 8 tenants can be problematic to evict, but I think you should be discussing your options for removing this tenant with the lawyer who handles your eviction cases .

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