Appx a month ago my husband discovered that our upstair's neighbor's washer has been hooked up to our electricity for the past 2.5 years we have lived in our apartment. We contacted the electric company and they came to investigate this month (March 9th) They confirmed the setup was illegal (Common law or something like that) and stated the landlord would be notified to fix the problem. The handymen were out the very next day (the 10th) to fix the pipes, etc. We received a letter posted on our front door the 23rd (drafted on the 10th, date was on the letter) stating they would no longer be able to accommodate us as of April 30th. Then, on the 24th we came home to the basement doors (outside entrance only) padlocked shut and a nasty letter stating that WE intentionally hooked up our washer to the other tenant's electricity, and the problem has been fixed as of March 10th. We have talked to the man from the electric company who is willing to vouch for us that we in fact did not intentionally hook up anything wrong. Is this justifiable cause to not renew our lease and to lock us out of the basement? If we contacted the local housing authority could his other properties be investigated? I have no interest in staying in this apartment or giving them any more of my money, but I would like to know if he could possibly do this to anyone else!

