My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: New Jersey.
About 9 months ago, I signed a lease for a split level house (1 family upstairs, 1 downstairs). I live in the downstairs apartment.
The house has been set up with 2 separate meters for electricity readings. The signed lease mentions each tenant is responsible for paying the electricity for their assigned meter.
The upstairs tenant noticed their bill was usually higher than the downstairs tenant, so we brought in an electrician to review how the circuits were assigned to each meter. It turns out, the meter for the upstairs apartment was linked to a few rooms in the downstairs apartment. Now knowing this, I have tentatively agreed to split the cost of electricity in the house 50/50 moving forward.
We then learned the uneven split of electricity was in issue from the previous downstairs tenant and current upstairs tenant. The landlord brought in an electrician 3 years ago and "fixed" the issue. None of this was disclosed to me before I signed the lease.
The upstairs tenant is now trying to reclaim the overpaid electricity payment for the last 9 months. I completely understand their situation and would attempt to do the same thing.
Who is liable in this situation? Landlord? Downstairs tenant?
Thanks to anyone who can reply back today!

