Landlord/tenant rights, dealing with problems, where to get help...
Questions About Paying Hydro
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demigoddl Posts: 1
Posted On: 1/12/2015
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just need help help with a few questions
when i recently signed my lease for my apartment i agreed into paying hydro. there was no clarification really on any aspect of it; they just told me the average was around 50-60 a month. i have just come to discover that we are not individually metered. they have it based on a 3 floor system and divide it among the tenants. so i guess my question is
is it legal to make me pay for someone elses hydro? shouldnt i only have to pay for what i use and not a even share of a bunch of people?
im really conservative on what i use and my bill seems to be to high for what im using.
also i had to open an account with the hydro company obviously when i sgined my lease. im being told that im only allowed to use the one they provide. i have found a few that offer better rates so if its my account am i allowed to pick the company of my choosing?
thanks for any help!
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Moderator Moderator Posts: 4142
Posted On: 1/15/2015
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Hi There,
Thanks for sharing your question and situation with us. We can appreciate that this is a confusing and frustrating situation.
You may find our article What do I do if I have trouble understanding my electricity bill? helpful for some tips. Here is an excerpt:
If you have questions about your bill, contact your local electricity provider and ask for an explanation of what the bill means and what you are paying. You have the right to understand what you are paying for.
[...]
If you have a complaint about an electricity retailer, contact the Ontario Energy Board customer service centre at 1.877.632.2727
You mention you lease an apartment but there are other tenants in the building. Depending on your type of accomodation you may or may not be covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) regarding your utilites.
You may wish to contact the Landlord and Tenant Board and/or a Community Legal Clinic about your specific situation.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
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Theresa
Information & Referral Specialist, CIRS
Your Settlement.Org Team
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