Is it legal for a landlord to average the cost of utilities?

I just moved into my own condo, and I’ve been comparing my costs for utilities (gas & water) to what I was paying at my apartment. They were charging me DOUBLE what I’m paying here, plus a $5.00 service fee for the privilege. My usage hasn’t changed.

The complex was fairly large, one of many run by Arnel Management, owned by billionaire George Argyros. Apparently, he can’t afford to individually meter each unit for their usage, so instead, they average out the total costs of water and gas over the entire complex. Each tenant pays according to the size of their unit.

Well, I was in one of their larger units, but I was a single woman! So I was paying the same as the family of 4 or more! Obviously, this isn’t fair, but IS IT LEGAL?

If it’s not legal, what next? Better Business Bureau? District Attorney? Who? This is in the state of California.

Posted in Landlord Tenant Law.

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