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We got a letter last week from the gas company, addressed to "Occupant," and the building number but no apartment number, and "N/A" for the account number. They have been unable to identify a "responsible party" for service to this address, and threatens to cut off service without further notice.
So, I used the "resident portal" to tell the management company about this. I just got an answer from our contact at the management company, asking if I have an account set up with National Grid, and saying this is necessary for our hot water. I wrote back, explaining that yes I have an account, and those bills have my name, the apartment number, and an account number, none of which is on this letter.
I patiently did not say "yes, I have an account, after an amazing amount of hassle when we moved in determining the meter number for our gas line." We have no intention of paying for the hot water (or heat) for the entire building. Heat and hot water are both included in our rent, both because there's one heater for all four apartments and the public areas of the building, and because there are state rules limiting when/how landlords can charge for water.
So, I used the "resident portal" to tell the management company about this. I just got an answer from our contact at the management company, asking if I have an account set up with National Grid, and saying this is necessary for our hot water. I wrote back, explaining that yes I have an account, and those bills have my name, the apartment number, and an account number, none of which is on this letter.
I patiently did not say "yes, I have an account, after an amazing amount of hassle when we moved in determining the meter number for our gas line." We have no intention of paying for the hot water (or heat) for the entire building. Heat and hot water are both included in our rent, both because there's one heater for all four apartments and the public areas of the building, and because there are state rules limiting when/how landlords can charge for water.
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The management company is mistaken about our National Grid account being necessary for us to have hot water. Our account with the gas company is for our gas stove. For all I know, our upstairs neighbors are not using National Grid, and they're just doing all their cooking in a microwave or toaster oven.
Heat and hot water are both included in our rent, both because there's one heater for all four apartments and the public areas of the building, and because there are state rules limiting when/how landlords can charge for water.
Landlords generally can't charge for water, but there are no limits on them making you pay to heat the water after it comes into your domain.
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