What to do if an occupant moved out and left unpaid utility bills?
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What to do if an occupant moved out and left unpaid utility bills?
My brother owns a house and he is in jail. I have power of attorney. I have the title to the motor home and my stepdad now lives in it. He moved out of the house 3 months ago leaving his daughter in the house saying he would pay the electric and water bill for her to stay (they are in my brother’s name). Now I sold the house and she had to move leaving me with a huge water and electric bill. What are my options? Plus he also took some of the appliances that belonged to my brother and is refusing to give them back. I have all the receipt for the appliances.
Asked on July 14, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Is there a written rental agreement between your step-father or his daughter for your brother's home that was sold under a power of attorney? If so, what does the agreement say as to whose obligation to pay the utility bills for it? That is where you should fist go to try and resolve the question you asked.
If your step-father took appliances from the home without permission, you need to write a letter as attorney in fact for your brother asking for the taken items back as well payment of the water and electric bills for the property. If he refuses to do so he and his daughter would be subect to a legal action for the above items.
A demand letter to the daughter should also be sent by you for payment of the utility bills as a foundation for a future legal action against her.
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