Telephone Installation Charges
A tenant that rents a apartment connected to my house has asked to hook up a landline telephone. This has never been an issue with tenants in the past since they used cell phones. She said I am required to supply a working telephone line. This can be done but it costs $100 to make the necessary connections. She is withholding this amount from her rent. I know I have to have the capability of her being able to have a telephone but does the necessary work have to be done at my expense. This was never discussed when I rented her the apartment.
If it is not my responsibility, can I give her a 3-day notice to quit or pay rent for this amount owing on the rent?
Re: Telephone Installation Charges
You are responsible for installing and paying for the installation. Refer to Civil Code section 1941.4, which states:
the lessor [landlord] . . . shall be responsible for installing at least one usable telephone jack and and placing and maintaining the inside telephone wiring in good working order.
J. Spikes
Property Law Center
870 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102