Landlord asking for Electric Bill. How to Respond (Id theft?)

[WWGD]

Hi All
For some reasons that are not clear to me, my landlord (through one of its reps ) has asked me to give him/her the account number from my power provider . Rep never answered when I asked why it is necessary. Instead, I offered a scanned copy of a recent bill, with the account number blacked out. I mean, this is both a privacy issue, and a security issue; the info about the account number together with some other info on me collected by the super would make it much easier for someone who got hold of it to impersonate me and steal my identity. Not that I have much that can be stolen from me, but it can be a hassle and a waste of time to address any issues of this kind. How can I address this , both diplomatically and legally, i.e., am I obligated to provide the account number (this is NYC , in case that matters).
Thanks.

 

[Evo]

In NYC, there must be a free service that answers tenant questions, I'd try there, also call the power company and ask if this is something acceptable. He might be concerned that if you aren't paying your bill that the next tenant could have difficulty getting service until they prove you are no longer living there, but I don't know that this gives the landlord the right to check on your bills prior to your moving out.

 

[edward]

The landlord may be up to something, then again there are logical reasons for him to ask for the account number. I have read about people renting a house or apartment and putting someone else's name on the power bill. They quit paying the bill several months before they move out leaving the landlord stuck with it.

 

[russ_watters]

I would not have provided any personal information without a reason why.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

Have you asked your landlord why they want this?

 

[StatGuy2000]

To the OP:

You mentioned that the rep from the landlord's office never answered when you asked why the account number for your power provider was necessary. Do you have another way to contact your landlord more directly (a phone number, e-mail address)? I would want to get an explanation of why this information is required before you provide it.

 

[WWGD]

Thank you all, I just contacted ( or sent an email, to be exact ) the landlord asking for an explanation. Will follow up as I get an answer.