rental-property landlord michigan
landlord refusing to fix incorrect electric wiring
<p>I live in a house in Michigan that was turned into 6 apartments. My apartment is the main door on the main floor. it has recently come to my attention that the hallways and part of the house that is NOT apart of my apartment are wired with my apartment and are a part of my DTE bill.</p>
<p>I cannot keep paying a rising bill every month because he refuses to fix the problem. It's not fair for me to have to pay anything outside of my apartment. It is a month to month lease and I am a felon and he's one of the only people who will rent to me.</p>
<p>What can I do?</p>

<p>If it’s true that you have separate bills, then I believe you must also have a separate electrical meter and panel. By code, I believe this panel must be in your dwelling unit. It should not be in a common area. Simply turn off the breaker that leads to any outlets, lights, or appliances that you don’t use. If anyone asks what is happening, simply state that you want to ensure you’re only paying for the electricity that you’re using, and you’re only using the electricity when you need it.</p>
<p>If the landlord asks you to keep the hallway outlets operational, simply request that they move them to a separate meter or to subsidize your electric bill.</p>

<p>There is a specific legal process you need to take when asking a landlord to make needed repairs, and/or repairs they refuse to make, even for month-to-month leases.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="https://michiganlegalhelp.org/self-help-tools/housing/i-am-having-trouble-getting-my-landlord-make-repairs#" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://michiganlegalhelp.org/self-help-tools/housing/i-am-having-trouble-getting-my-landlord-make-repairs#</a> That site outlines the letter you need to send to the landlord to document the power billing issues and ask for a repair schedule. If he/she refuses to make the repairs that sorts out the wiring so you're not paying on other apartments, you can find a contractor to do the repairs and deduct the costs of the repair from your rent. But be sure and follow the procedures carefully. Contact michiganlegalhelp.org for help, if needed.</p>
<p>If the landlord retaliates against you for demanding or doing the repairs, and evicts you, michiganlegalhelp.org can advise you on that.</p>
