Re: Cancel deposit return check? - Landlord Forum thread 338237

Re: Cancel deposit return check? by Stephen (WA - Washington) on August 20, 2015 @13:25

Well, here is my opinion.
For the current situation: don't cancel the check you already issued, pay the utility bill yourself, and bill the former tenant for the utility cost.
Why? Like some of the other commenters I see problems from that tenant over a stopped payment (I don't trust them). In regard to the utility bill, it can be a lien on the property if not paid so you will ultimately have to deal with it. Deal with it and then attempt to collect the funds from the tenant.

In the future (and this is based upon my own experiences):
- learn which utilities can result in liens against the property. For me, it is the water/sewer/garbage. The electricity and gas don't result in liens for me.
- a day or two before the 14 day limit, on a business day, call the appropriate utility, identify yourself as the landlord, and ask whether the final bill has been paid.
- If it hasn't then pay it over the phone via credit card. This ensures that it is paid and it is clear that it was paid by YOU and not through the tenant's check that supposedly arrived a day later.
- include the utility cost in your final statement.

Yes, I have tried some variations upon my guidance. Some variations worked and some dragged out and caused anxiety and heartache (for me). But the guidance above achieves the goal I believe we are all going for: to not be left holding the tenant's utility bill.

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Re: Cancel deposit return check? by CA/OR on August 20, 2015 @20:16	[ Reply ]

While your advice was simply common sense, I found it most excellent. Some time we overlook or forget the simple solutions. Great way to handle it. ...."a day or two before the 14 day limit, on a business day, call the appropriate utility, identify yourself as the landlord, and ask whether the final bill has been paid. - If it hasn't then pay it over the phone via credit card. This ensures that it is paid and it is clear that it was paid by YOU and not through the tenant's check that supposedly arrived a day later. - include the utility cost in your final statement."

Re: Cancel deposit return check? by Anonymous on August 21, 2015 @11:02	[ Reply ]

Sounds good, but that wouldn't work here. Utility companies will not give me, landlord or not, the specifics of a tenant's account, not even for the purpose of receiving payment from me.