[pluckycat]

I live in an apartment (building built in 1800's) in west chester, Pennsylvania and I do not have a thermostat in my apartment. My neighbor downstairs has the thermostat to control the heat for both our apartments. Minus the kitchen and office, each room has a single hot water radiator.

My landlord wants to charge me $60/month for the winter months (nov - feb) and last year my apartment was cold!

My question is: if I cannot control the temperature of my apartment does he have the right to charge me a monthly fee for heat?

Thanks!

[ScottGem]

Check your lease. Unless Utilities are a separate charge then they should be included in the Rent. The lease may provide for a fuel surcharge, however.

Control of the thermostat is not a factor, but if you aren't getting enough heat, you have cause for complaint.

[Fr_Chuck]

It is not uncommom in some older apartments for heating to be controlled by management ( another tenant is not as normal)

But your lease should specifiy what fees you have to pay or do not have to pay.

If you have a issue with it being cold, you should file speicif complaints in writing.

How is the heat done in the kitchen and office, and how it that paid.

[Cvillecpm]

Yes - since you are in the upper unit, you should be OK since heat from the lower floor will rise upward to your unit. Make sure you insulate exterior windows and doors for heat leakage - rolled up old cloth towels on the sills works and keeping drapes/blinds closed during the evening will also help assist in the leakage.