Question
Could a new tenant be held responsible for paying the utilities of an old tenant in an apartment complex?
I just received a notice on my door that I had a $450 outstanding water bill. My fiancee and I just moved into this apartment two weeks ago. It is after hours and I cannot get a hold of anyone at the water company or the front office about this matter. Could we really be held responsible for the payment of this bill?
5 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
NOPE, but the owner/manager/LL could as water bills can become a lien on the property. This was not your bill, not your responsibility. Put it in writing to both management and water company, the date of your lease, the date you moved in, etc. Work you LL/mgr to get this resolved or water may be turned off. Contact ALL the utilities to be put in your name and final readings for last tenant--You SHOULD have done this prior to moving in.
Source(s)
real estate attorney
by chatsplas
5 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
No. When you go on a new lease that requires you pay the utilities.You NEED to have the Utilities switched in your name. Most utility companies use your Social Security number, and that's how they attach the debt to you. So the responsibility sticks to the person who racked up the bill.
by Calindra- 5 months ago
under no circumstance. when the utility gets the word of your transfer request from where you were to where you want to be, all should be ok. And, YOU did not get the water bill, the old tenant got it. IT is like an advertisement for you. toss it. [what else is the utility supposed to do?]
by kemperk- 5 months ago