I live in Queens NY. I have been renting the 1st floor in a 2 family dwelling since Jan 16th 1996. Initially I signed a lease which stated that Heat was included in the rent. Since signing that initial lease I have just been living here month to month (no official lease). Today (almost 10 years later) I got a letter from the landlord saying I owe heating bills totaling $658 from Oct to Dec 2006. The due date of the bill is 1/5/2007 (a date that has already passed).

My question is I was under the impression that in a 2 family dwelling in NYC, utilities must be paid by the landlord if the utility carries a shared meter. The heating IS on a shared meter. Can anyone clarify this for me? Or point me to any information that may help me see what the law says about this?

Thanks..
John