Water & Sewage bill for tenants - Landlord Forum thread 321723

Water & Sewage bill for tenants by Dwight (California) on July 23, 2014 @20:47

Hi,

I have tenants in a house, and their lease specifies that they pay utilities. I go on to say that they must play Electric, Gas, Water, & trash. Now they are telling me that they shouldn't be responsible for the actual sewage charges that appear on their bill because I didn't tell them this. It is my understanding that water and sewage go hand in hand and Sewage didn't need to be specified. Am I correct in assuming this or am I on the hook for their Sewage charges? Any advice on this would be amazing. Please help…1st time landlord. --65.24.xxx.xxx

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Re: Water & Sewage bill for tenants by Bill on July 23, 2014 @22:39	[ Reply ]

Are they month to month? If so, give them a rent increase to more than cover the sewer.

Re: Water & Sewage bill for tenants by anonymous (CA) on July 24, 2014 @00:50	[ Reply ]

I got burned on this several years ago. I specified that tenant would pay gas, electric, and water. Down the road when she got the bill, the sewer bill was broken out and she wanted me to pay it. She had me in black and white and I said OK, and paid it. If the bill breaks it out separately, you pay it.

Re: Water & Sewage bill for tenants by Anonymous on August 1, 2014 @00:54	[ Reply ]

What is the exact wording of the lease? Mine says something to the effect of tenant pays all utilities EXCEPT xyz. But you have to refer to your lease to see if it spells out who pays sewage. If it isn't clear, you either come to some agreement or let a judge decide.