The rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants can vary depending on local laws and regulations, as well as the terms of the lease or rental agreement. In general, landlords have certain obligations to provide habitable living conditions, and tenants have the right to reasonable and essential utilities, such as hot water.
If the coin-operated washer is included as part of the rental agreement, and hot water is required for its proper functioning, the landlord typically cannot stop tenants from using the hot water for laundry purposes. Denying access to essential utilities without a valid reason could be considered a breach of the landlord's responsibilities.
However, there could be specific circumstances where the landlord might have a reasonable justification for restricting hot water usage. For example, if there is a genuine maintenance issue with the hot water supply that needs urgent repair, the landlord may have to temporarily stop access to hot water for all occupants until the problem is resolved. In such cases, the landlord should communicate the situation to the tenants and work to fix the issue promptly.
If you are a tenant facing this situation, it's essential to review your lease or rental agreement to understand your rights and obligations regarding the use of the coin-operated washer and hot water. Additionally, if you believe your landlord is unlawfully restricting hot water access or not fulfilling their responsibilities, you should consider seeking legal advice or contacting a local tenant's rights organization for guidance.
Remember that the specific laws and regulations governing landlord-tenant relationships can vary significantly by location, so it's crucial to know your rights and responsibilities as per the laws in your area.