Not sure the legality of this but was just informed that the 7 year old classmate of one of my friends has not been on his online classes the last few days. When the teacher said that they had missed him he said his family was behind on rent and the landlord changed the internet password. I have no idea what type of housing situation this is but am curious what your thoughts are on the legality of this? Is internet these days considered a utility like water and power? The more I see how some landlords operate the better I feel about how I operate. --64.252.xx.xx

I'm guessing a frustrated landlord who can't shut off water or power, but CAN control internet. --50.82.xxx.xxx

I would consider it an amenity, not a required utility. --172.58.xxx.xxx

Legal or not. Turn it back on. Don't be the evil LL. --99.103.xxx.xxx

--75.182.xx.xxx

MYOB, although I at first agreed that it was crappy thing to do to a kid, we have no idea of the actual circumstances here. The parents could well be working full-time and still not paying rent, for instance. We just don't know enough to pass judgment on either party. --50.82.xxx.xxx

It's never about hurting kids!!! --99.103.xxx.xxx

Maybe they didn't pay their electric bill as three fingers are pointing at them. --172.58.xx.xxx

I do know that the working poor can get free or greatly reduced cable here - not sure the ins and outs of how that works. --72.70.xxx.xxx

taxpayers in NJ and cell phone users and internet users in NJ have been paying govt. surcharges for connectivity for all for many years. It's usually a buck or two. Very annoying. All seem to have a cellphone and some are very large and fancy. Saw a guy at the foot doctor office who had one so new it was not available to others yet. He made sure the whole waiting room knew that. --71.104.xx.xxx

That's what they told the kid. We don't really know what's going on. --174.226.xxx.xxx

Exactly what WMH said,who is going to tell there kid they spent the internet money on beer and cigarettes.I would turn it off if i controlled it and the rent isnt paid. --72.231.xxx.xxx

Gosh, I feel like this place is turning into, in some ways, a bunch of landlord apologists. When will people in society have to accept that there are consequences for their actions? There's more work available than ever. I have to watch what I say around my help, because if they realized this, they'd say - hey, #22, costs are going up and you can't find someone not on drugs to do the work we do, so we need a 30% raise. And I'd probably have to give it to them... it sounds like priorities in their household were consumption over paying obligations. It's a sad example to set for the child, it's not their fault their parents are the way they are. In fact, he's bound to repeat their faults. I always feel sad for children whose parents set them up to not succeed. --23.126.xx.xxx

Don't justify your thinking on this. The kid announced my LL turned off the Internet so I can't do my lessons-- is that really the LL message you want in town? --99.103.xxx.xxx

I totally agree with WMH and #22. For whatever it's worth. --68.229.xxx.xxx

If tenant isn't paying anything, why would landlord provide additional free services? --108.69.xxx.xxx

Which is worse - kicking a kid out of their home or off the internet? --50.82.xxx.xxx

Maybe the landlord couldn’t afford to provide internet anymore since they’re not being paid rent. Are we expected to provide groceries next? --216.186.xxx.xx

Somehow, there's less and less accountability every day in this country.... --174.234.xxx.xxx

internet is considered a utility by renters. --107.77.xxx.xx

many Luddites here.... --107.77.xxx.xx

So butter any way you like. The toast is burnt already. --99.103.xxx.xxx

Another angle to consider, is he LEGALLY sharing internet? Is it legal to run a wifi booster from your home internet and broadcast to a whole neighborhood? Or do you need to pay for a commercial internet account to be able to become an "internet broadcast provider" for your Tenants ? --68.202.x.xxx

--24.101.xxx.xx

What's right may not always be legal. --70.92.xxx.xxx

RayHe is not punishing the kid by not giving free internet, he is just not helping him. In our society now it seems that not giving something to someone for free is considered to be punishing them. --73.141.xxx.xx

This equates to squatters rights but for access. --99.103.xxx.xxx

!!!Newsflash!!! Many (if not most) children suffer for the sins of their parents. Society is not obligated to make it all better. If they were, where would it end? --108.39.xx.xx

Tell me, how is this any different than the king expecting the people to provide housing for the kings soldiers during the 1700s? --108.39.xx.xx

Yes the 5th and 14 amendment--- taking of property with no compensation. --99.103.xxx.xxx

Par ler was removed by Amazon. They have a court case and dont have the money to rebuild from scratch elsewhere. Ama zon has to be convinced to give them their site back. I have no Amazon accounts. Had a bad feeling about them. Please do not use Ama zon products or systems and ask others. This is the only way we can prevail. --71.104.xx.xxx

The company has been logging threats to their employees and facilities since November. --50.82.xxx.xxx

Wow , dont punish the kid!!! What if the parents are using the internet for their stay at home job, pulling in their normal salary, and just flat out refused to pay their rent, because you cant evict them, and when the mortauim is over, then they will just pack up and leave, with their overdue rent money and stimulous checks --107.210.xxx.xxx

--96.40.xx.xx

That said, countless cafes and coffee shops - even grocery stores - often offer free internet, so who knows. --69.130.xxx.xxx

we were asked a question with entirely incomplete facts and one that the poser of the question had no first hand knowledge of. whaaaaat? --75.80.xx.xx