What to do regarding an unpaid sewage bill by previous tenants?
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What to do regarding an unpaid sewage bill by previous tenants?
My husband and I own a rental property. The previous tenants did not pay the water/sewage bill for 3 months and it was turned off. The city has sent letters to them but they have made no effort to pay. If they don’t pay we will be responsible for the bill or a lien will but put against the property. The bill is for $300 so suing would probably cost us more. What recourse do we have? The lease stated tenants are responsible for all utilities.
Asked on December 15, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Indiana
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately for you as owners of the rental, you are ultimately responsible for paying the unpaid sewage bill owed by the prior tenants. I would send a demand letter to the prior tenants requesting that they pay you directly the amount of the unpaid sewage bill.
In the interim, I would pay the sewage bill. If your former tenants do not pay you directly the $300.00 sewage bill they owe, your recourse would be to either write it off or sue them is small claims court for the amount.
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