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    aprilmiller's Avatar
    aprilmiller Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 5, 2011, 10:56 AM
    Who is responsible for clearing defensible space around the property?
    The fire dept. came to my house today and said the space around the property needed to be cleared for defensible space. My landlord lives on the property as well ( in a smaller house). Is this my responsibility to have it cleared or hers?? We also share water and electric meters and she is making me pay 3/4 of those. Where can I find the laws on sharing utilities?
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #2

    Jul 5, 2011, 11:06 AM

    She owns the property. It's her responsibility BUT if the space has to be cleared because of something you did or failed to do, then she has recourse against you.

    There is no Federal Law on this so it is impossible to tell you what the law says in your area without knowing where you are.

    Have you always known you were paying 3/4's and she was paying 1/4? If so, it's a condition of you renting the property. If it's a surprise to you, she's legally liable.

    It is not unusual for a 1 person house and a 2 person house on the same meter to share the expenses based on the number of occupants.
    aprilmiller's Avatar
    aprilmiller Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jul 5, 2011, 11:20 AM
    Comment on JudyKayTee's post
    We live in pine grove, ca. she just raised the utility rate. She did notify me but I think its outrageous! My lease does not say anything about the overgrown acre that we live on. It only requires me to do the watering and take care of the front landscaped yard.
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #4

    Jul 5, 2011, 11:27 AM

    Then you do what the lease requires and she's responsible for the rest UNLESS you somehow caused a problem.

    As far as utilities - you have a lease? She can't change the terms.
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