Question
Can you sue a renter for unpaid utilities?
We let a friend of the family live in one of our rentals. They had all the utilities put into their name. They lived there for 4 months and didn't pay one electric bill. Now there is a $459 balance in his name, but the electric company said that if the balance isn't paid by June 17th, then the balance will be added to our tax bill. Can they do that even though the bill wasn't in our name. Can we sue the renter for the bill even though there wasn't a rental contract?
6 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
They can do that. Our power company charges the owner to take it in and out of the tenant's name. They can basically do what ever they want. YES! You can sue the tenant for the owed power bill. All you need for proof they were the tenant is the power bills in his name and any rent receipts.
Source(s)
I'm a property manager
by Wildcat
6 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Unless you get your electricity from the city or county, I don't see how they can put the bill on your taxes. I think some collector is trying to scare you. Call your tax commissioner office and ask about that. Yes, sue the tenants if you end up being responsible for it.
by nomo- 6 months ago
the power company agreed to turn on the juice to you renters and have them pay for it. not you. they can't attach their bill to your property taxes. i agree with the other writer, they are trying to scare you. the power company is taking a power trip.
by mortgage underwriter- 6 months ago