Tenant Rant

I hate to be the Nattering Nabob of Negativism, but as a retired shyster I must recommend against tampering with the provision of utilities prior to formally modifying or terminating the existing lease. For the landlord to unilaterally change the terms of providing utilities can be a violation of the tenancy agreement and can lead to civil damages. Terminate the old lease properly, and then do a new lease saying that you have the right to put a lock box on the stat, or whatever.