I am a small business owner and rent commercial space for my store front. Recently my landlord sent out a note to all tenants stated no trash/boxes can be left outside the backside of the building for any length of time. If management should have to pick up any of our trash, they would back bill the tenant for charges incurred to pick it up.

Normally we have 1 employee working and the trash cannot be thrown out until the end of the day. So, during the day, we will put empty boxes outside our unit (which is in the back of the building). Nobody has even picked up any of our trash. We got a note yesterday that boxes were sited outside out unit and with it came a $25 fine. The original letter stated we'd be billed if management had to pick up our trash, but never were we told we'd be fined for violation.

So, my question is, we were never told that we'd be fined. Can they come back and fine us for this?

Thanks for your time!

So, my question is, we were never told that we'd be fined. Can they come back and fine us for this?Hello fines:

Not only can they NOT fine you, they can't unilaterally change your original lease about the trash collection or their picking it up and now charging you.

I'd write them a letter back advising them that you'll renegotiate your lease when it's up for renewal and not before. Until then you expect them to adhere to the lease as agreed to, as you're sure, they expect you to adhere to yours. Send your letter certified, return receipt requested.

excon