Can the landlord charge for utility services?
Yes. The landlord may increase the annual percentage by 1% for gas and/or 1% for electric service which is available in the unit when such service is paid for by the landlord. • Does the 1% increase apply to hot water or gas used to heat water in a common boiler? No. Neither cost can be passed through to the tenant. • When can the increase be higher than the annual allowable increase? If the rental unit has not had an increase since 1976, then the landlord can increase the rent by 19%, or if the unit has not had an increase since 1977, then the increase can be 13%. The 1% for each utility also applies. • Are there exceptions to the annual increase? Yes, in the case of a substandard housing unit for which a notice of non compliance has been sent by building and Safety to the State Franchise Tax Board. • Can a security deposit, last month’s rent, etc. be increased? Yes, only by the annual allowable percentage and at the same time that percentage is applied. A new landlord cannot ask for
