questions & answers

Question: Apartment complex is implementing "Valet trash" service where the trash will be collected at the apartment door. There will be a fee for this service. Can the Landlord force tenant to use this service and pay for it in addition to the trash collection service (there will be still dumpsters where tenants can take the trash)

Answer: The terms and conditions of a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant generally govern what a landlord may and may not do. If an existing rental agreement says nothing about a new service and fee – or about the possibility of any new service and fee – then as a general rule the landlord must wait until the agreement comes up for renewal in order to start charging a fee to the tenant for a new service. The landlord may charge such a fee but the tenant must first have an opportunity to either accept it (by signing a new lease) or reject it (by refusing to sign a new lease and moving out).