I am dealing with a shady landlord. I have been told to pay utilities (gas/water) to landlord with out receiving a bill. This practice is not stated in the lease, in fact it actually states to pay utility company directly. I have asked to see a copy of the bill so I can see what my apt. usage is. I was denied. I have still been paying rent, but have informed landlord that I will not be paying utilities without a bill. He granted me the option of terminating my lease, which I did. Now I am being given a bill of unpaid rent because he has taken my utilities out of rent payment. My QUESTION IS...Does he have the legal right to deduct utilities from my rent? I have paid rent every month on time, just not utilities because I have not received bill. I am not only being denied my deposit but being harassed to pay "unpaid rent". Any information will help.

He can hold out what you legally owe, so in court he will have to produce the utilitiy bills.

If he had bills he would have given them to you, most likely some items are all on one bill.