Do renters have a right to access their unit's water heaters? In the apt complex I live in, the water heaters are in the breeze way in locked closets. I'd like to control my gas usage by simply turning it down when I'm at work leaving only the pilot light on and turning on when I come home for a shower.

This will depend on what your lease states. Have you browsed through the information in LawInfo's Free Legal Resource Center to learn more about your issue yet? See: http://www.lawinfo.com/consumer.html. You can certainly try to speak to a lawyer to determine what legal options may be available. In the meantime, you may be able to learn more on your own. Search the "Free Legal Resources" tab, or browse the Consumer Resources. Good luck.

can my landlord force me to renew my 12 month lease within the first 4 months of occupancy? While also adding that they are increasing my rent by a $100 next year and I am forced to give an answer by the end of January. If i don't reply before hand they will consider my reply as I am not renewing. Is this legal?.

Have you browsed through the information in LawInfo's Free Legal Resource Center to learn more about your issue yet? See: http://www.lawinfo.com/consumer.html and http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/index.html. You can certainly try to speak to a lawyer to determine what legal options may be available. In the meantime, you may be able to learn more on your own. Search the "Free Legal Resources" tab, or browse the Consumer Resources. Good luck.