Re: utilities - Landlord Forum thread 186823

Re: utilities by OH LL (OH) on September 10, 2009 @22:11

This does not answer the original poster's question, but it is an update to other OH LLs. M, thought I would update you on the water bill situation here. The rule that says you cannot have the water in the tenant's name is from your own utility company. It is NOT state-wide. Our water company has placed water in the tenant's names for years. It is their responsibility to pay. If they do not pay the bill, the water will be shut off and the bill then mailed to the property owner.

Our REIA is currently suing the local water utility to force them to pursue the tenant for these bills instead of the LLs. This suit should be filed against them in the next couple of weeks. I will keep you updated on the progress of this suit.

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Re: utilities by Ultimate M-Bone on September 10, 2009 @22:25	[ Reply ]

Thanks, your right, it isn't a State wide thing. Just that most municipalities do keep the water/sewer bill in the owners name. In your case, that is the only difference. When it boils down to whose responsible, it's still the owner/landlord. I hope for you that you guys win that suit, maybe after that, other REIA's will follow suit. It's wrong that they can do that and get away with it. It's just too easy for them, after all the water company is ran by the government, right? Please keep me posted on the turn out of your suit. We own one house in the City of Cuyahoga Falls, it's in the same County where we own houses in the neighboring City. I like that they (Cuyahoga Falls) not only put utilities in tenants name but also hold them 100% responsible. That City combines their water/sewer/trash along with Electric all in one bill. Tenants have to make application, show rental agreement as proof of residency and pay a deposit to have the utility put into their name. I wish it was that way everywhere.

Re: utilities by OH LL (OH) on September 10, 2009 @22:55	[ Reply ]

It all depends on how the by laws for the utility were written and how the utility company was incorporated. Some are written so that they are permitted to hold the property owner responsible. Others are not. In parts of OH, the water bills and the sewer bills can be pinned on the owner. In this area, the county sewer company (which was incorporated and by laws written correctly) can hold the owner responsible for the sewer bill. However, it is our attorney's opinion that our water company was not written or incorporated correctly. Will keep you updated.