[Catsysue]

My apartment complex in Grundy county Illinois just informed me that they are changing the way the water bill is assessed for each apartment. Instead of prorating the water bill based on occupancy, they are now going to charge based on square footage of the apartment. That means that since I live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, I will be paying just as much as a couple living in an identical apartment who wash clothes for two, take two showers per day, etc. Do I have any means to protest this change?

[rockinmommy]

It all depends on the wording of your lease and any supplementary agreements you entered into concerning the allocation of the water bill.

If you are in a one year lease (that specifies the way this is handled) and (for example) your lease doesn't end until April of 2011, then it seems that the most they can do is give you notice that this is the way it will be billed (for you) beginning on May 1, 2011. If you are a month-to-month tenant then they probably just need to give you a 30 day notice of the change.

Also, look at whatever agreements you signed for wording like "subject to change at any time/with a ____ day notice/etc."

I think if you thoroughly read through all written agreements you have you will find out what they can and cannot do.

That said, I agree with you that it does not seem fair. Is it a management company or a private owner? I would start complaining - IN WRITING- and work your way up the chain of command, up to the owners of the property. Also, are there others in your situation that would agree with your position? The more similar complaints they receive the more valid your point seems. Ultimately, if they believe it will cause them to lose good tenants it may get a reaction.

[Fr_Chuck]

You can protest to the management of the complex, and to the owners of the complex.

And you can go back to your rental agreement or lease to see if they can even change it at this time, or have to wait till lease renews.