Posted by Adam (Austin) on February 22, 2003 at 09:07:36:
I agree.
They are responsible for the services that they used and enjoyed, regardless of a billing mix up by the utility company.
I’M NOT PAYING THE RENTER’S ELECTRIC BILL!!! - Posted by Steve_nc
Posted by Steve_nc on February 21, 2003 at 20:20:32:
Check this tenant out regarding their electricity bill:
I am currently renting a condo #C. Condo #D next door has been vacant all winter (5 months). The renter calls me to tell me that the when the electric company came to turn off the power to the vacant condo next door, his power went out. After the renter investigated, it has been discovered that the electrical box markings #C & #D were mistakenly switched. So the renter receives the electric bill every month for the vacant condo ($8 to $12 per month). The vacant condo receives the renters electric bill ($80 to $100 per month).
The renter states that the electric company is going to bill them for the past months of electricity they used but did not pay.
Here is the catch. The renter stated that he is not going to pay the bill, that it is my (owner’s) responsibilty. The tenate states that it is not his fault the letters #C & #D on the electrical boxes are switched.
We just went through a series of plumbing issues. I do not want to lose a good paying renter that keeps the place up, even though they are a pain. The market for good renters is tight right now. I currently have a couple vacancies on other properties, so I do not want to tick them off and have them move on me.
But I tell ya, I’m not going to pay the renters winter electric bill!!!
Your comments are welcome. Thanks Steve
Re: I’M NOT PAYING THE RENTER’S ELECTRIC BILL!!! - Posted by GL - ON
Posted by GL - ON on February 22, 2003 at 07:30:40:
You will if you don’t get busy. The electric company will put the bill on YOU if the tenant doesn’t pay. I suggest you talk to them or write them and explain that you are not going to get stuck for THEIR bill and if they don’t pay immediately you are going to sue. Then if they don’t pay it, and prove it (you already know they are chiselers) you start legal action.
By the way they are more likely to move if you DON’T take action than if they do, no matter what they say.
When did this “switch” occur?? - Posted by TeddyB_SC
Posted by TeddyB_SC on February 21, 2003 at 21:50:24:
I would “investigate” and find out when the “switch” occurred. You may find that it happened when Condo “D” became vacant. If that is the case, tell your tenant nice try.
TeddyB_SC
Re: I’M NOT PAYING THE RENTER’S ELECTRIC BILL!!! - Posted by Brent_IL
Posted by Brent_IL on February 21, 2003 at 21:48:54:
One of the things about regulated utilities is that they are subject to review by various commissions. You can cut through much red tape by explaining the situation in a letter to your local congressman and requesting his or her assistance. You will be amazed at the difference that a congressional letterhead will bring to bear.
Whose name is the electric bill in? - Posted by Shawn J. Dostie
Posted by Shawn J. Dostie on February 21, 2003 at 21:35:49:
If it is in your name, you have the responsibility to pay and the right to collect from the tenant. If it is in the tenants name they have the joy of duking it out with the utility. Public utilities can’t collect off of someone whose name is not on the account. What is the problem?
Good Luck,
Shawn(OH)
me neither… - Posted by David Krulac
Posted by David Krulac on February 21, 2003 at 20:49:17:
while its not the renters fault, I don’t see how its your fault either. Did the electric company get paid by Condo D? Whose mistake is it? Were the meters labelled wrong on purpose? Usually the serial numner of the meter is recorded by the electric company, did they make the initial error?