What do I do if the landlord fails to pay the utility bills?

If your landlord is responsible for utility payments according to the lease, but does not make the payments, you may still be protected against a utility shut-off. In Pennsylvania, public utilities are required to notify the landlord of a proposed shut-off. The landlord must send the utility company the names and addresses of any tenants that would be affected.

​Next, the utility company is required to provide tenants with 30 days’ notice of a proposed termination of service and of the tenant’s right to receive continued service if the tenant pays an amount equal to the most recent 30-day bill. If this amount is paid before the proposed date, the utility company will not terminate service. If it is paid after the termination, the utility company must restore service. The tenant may continue to pay the monthly bill and deduct that amount from the rent.