Who is responsible for utility bills if tenant does not pay?

Although tenants are usually responsible for paying utility bills, if they do not pay, the landlord may find themselves liable for the bills if the tenancy agreement doesn’t clearly assign responsibility to the tenant (s).

How is a landlord charged for utility usage?

It only applies to properties with three or more units. The landlord is billed for utility usage based on the entire building’s charges or master meter, and then divides the bill up and sends it to individual units. Tenants are charged based on the divided total bill, rather than their individual utility usage.

What happens if your landlord fails to pay your electric bill?

If you live in an apartment building or a two-family house and your landlord fails to pay the utility bill for the building, your utility has to notify you of the landlord’s non-payment. If you live in an apartment building, your utility must post notices in the building and mail you a separate notice at least 18 days before disconnection.

How to pay your utilities in an apartment?

For all who share an apartment, you could insert a clause in the tenancy agreement that would explicitly state that you would not be held responsible for any late payment of bills if you had made every possible effort to pay them on time. Again there are online and offline methods to pay your utility bills on time.

Can a landlord be responsible for unpaid utility bills?

The utility companies will have to chase the tenant themselves, meaning the issue is out of your hands. You can choose to register bills in the landlord’s name and ask the tenant to pay you for their usage.

Can a utility company sue a tenant for not paying?

The utility company will be responsible for filing a lawsuit to get their money from the tenant if the tenant is unwilling to pay. It’s important to note here that this law is state-specific so you will want to confirm that the state you work in does not hold landlords responsible for this type of situation.

Can a landlord put utilities in a tenant’s name?

The law states that utility bills may be in the tenant’s name in single-family homes, such as yours in this situation, if stated in the lease. However, properties with two or more dwelling units and only one meter must have utilities remain in the owner’s name.

How often do landlords have to send utilities to tenants?

Some landlords in duplexes and even larger properties separate the utilities every month and send the tenant a bill. Water is a prime utility that often is billed to a complex, and not an individual unit. Does the utility company finalize the bill at the same time rent is due?