We have a rental house that the tenants told us they had put the utitlities in their own name before they moved in. They didn't do it until they had been there nearly 2 weeks, then they moved out and didn't even tell us. Anything I can say to them as I can call them at work, and make them pay?
2006-12-29 06:48:35 · 16 answers · asked by booger0819 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
File a complaint with the small claims court.
2006-12-29 06:50:25 · answer #1 · answered by RayCATNG 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There should have been something in your contract stating they must put the utilities in their own name. Also, most contracts state that you cannot move out without properly notifying the landlord, so, if you had a legit and full contract with EVERYTHING stated that they signed, there should be a breech of contract unless you left those things out. I would contact a lawyer if your contract stated these, I would contact one anyway. I would contact your utility companies as well, because if they're still in your name, you're gonna have to pay at least right now. Definitely look over your contract and your local laws concerning renting. They can easily be found on the internet. Type "renting laws of (your state here)" into a seach engine. The law may help, but it can also HURT you badly if your rental agreement was not thorough!
2006-12-29 06:54:17 · answer #2 · answered by Jase 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check the laws in your area I was recently in a similar situation and in my state I could have sued the tenants and garnished their wages if they didn't pay up it's also a good idea to talk to your local utility company in some states they have to notify the owners if utilities are disconnected and they sometimes keep phone records which can help you if you have to sue I had the utility company fax me phone records that I attached to my tenants 2 week notice sometimes it's enough to scare them good luck it sucks being a landlord don't forget to make sure tenants are paying utility bills in full in my state any unpaid sewage bills go on the owners taxes at the end of the year
2006-12-29 06:58:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the lease state that the utilities were supposed to be in their name? If so, you can file a landlord/tenant complaint in the court in your area and require that they pay the utilities that were not paid as well as any unpaid rent. There is a time limit on filing and I suggest you contact the court for guidelines. I would just ask them to remit payment by a certain date and if not, file with the court. Usually if they intend to pay, they will and if they don't pay, they never planned to.
2006-12-29 06:57:49 · answer #4 · answered by Ms. Wizard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the lease agreement they signed specifically says that the tenant is responsible for the utilities, and they have moved out without paying for it, and they will not pay now for the utilities they have used in the time they have lived in the rental, your options are:
1. subtract the amount from their security deposit, or
2. file a small claims suit against them for the amount of the utilities.
2006-12-29 06:52:00 · answer #5 · answered by jseah114 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depending what state you live in, has laws for renters and landlords. Hopefully, you got a deposit, and you can use that as a leverage, to get your tenants to pay. Also sending them a certified letter to their workplace is usually a great way to show that they have broken their lease agreement. Check out your state's website, they may have a book containing ordiance's pertaining to your situation. Good Luck!
2006-12-29 07:00:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-12-29 07:14:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send a bill and a explanation for the bill, with the documents that they signed telling them they had to pay. Get this notarized before sending it, give them 15 days to comply. Do it again if they don't respond, this time give them 10 days. Do it once again if they don't respond give them 5 days. After the five days file in small claims court your grievance and you might be able to garnish their wages for the amount in question.
2006-12-29 06:53:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's why you ask them for their new account number and verify the information before they are allowed to move in. Just give them the bill and tell them they have to pay it or face eviction. Surely you put it in the rental agreement that they were responsible for the utilities.
2006-12-29 06:51:19 · answer #9 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you have a tenancy agreement that they were in the property for x to y date then talk to the utilities suppliers as that is proof they were in using the supply.
I am afraid to say though, that it is your responsibility to tell the company who moves in and out of YOUR property.
Keep their deposit if you still have it
I hate people like this as a renter because it makes landlords supicious of =everyone including honest folk like me
2006-12-29 06:51:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋