I live in Dallas, Texas. I am billed separately for my wastewater, which is not included in the rent. I paid my rent and seven days later the manager tells me she cannot take partial payment for the rent because the wastewater was not included in the payment. Now she wants rent, wastewater, and late fees. Can she do this? I did not know the amount of the wastewater when the rent was due. Please help!

Hello J:

This sounds like a communications problem rather than a legal problem. If you explain to her that you didn't understand the arrangement, maybe she'll give you the late fee back. You actually weren't late. If she doesn't, then you're on notice that you can't expect anything reasonable from this landlord, and I'd be looking for another place to live.

excon

What does your lease say abouit the terms? Was this your first rent payment?
I agree with excon. Talk to the manager and explain the situation. They can waive the late fee if they want.

According to our agreement (Lease Addendum for Allocating Water/Wastewater Cost) the water/wastewater bill is due 16 days after the date it is postmarked or hand delivered to my apartment (paragraph 3). The agreement allows a 5 percent late charge if timely payment is not made, and makes no reference to being due when rent is due

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Originally Posted by Jmcfaddin

I live in Dallas, Texas. I am billed separately for my wastewater, which is not included in the rent. I paid my rent and seven days later the manager tells me she cannot take partial payment for the rent because the wastewater was not included in the payment. Now she wants rent, wastewater, and late fees. Can she do this? I did not know the amount of the wastewater when the rent was due. Please help!

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I don't live in Texas, however I would like to make a suggestion. IN the future ask her if you can pay the water bill separately from your bill. I know in my state, you don't have to pay the water bill directly to the landlord, you can pay it directly to the water company. Call the water department and ask them if you can be billed directly since you are the tenant living there. If they do agree, don't forget to tell them when you move out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jmcfaddin

According to our agreement (Lease Addendum for Allocating Water/Wastewater Cost) the water/wastewater bill is due 16 days after the date it is postmarked or hand delivered to my apartment (paragraph 3). The agreement allows a 5 percent late charge if timely payment is not made, and makes no reference to being due when rent is due

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If the lease doesn't state that it is all due together then I don't know why it was returned. Unless they made an error on the dates on their side. Take your bill and show the proof to the Landlord.

Hey MC, what else does paragraph 3 say? Is this city sewer and water and where does your wastewater fee end up? So you have 16 days to pay but when was the bill presented to you and where does the bill say to direct payment? Sounds like someone is taking control over something that really isn't their business.