Re: Shut off water - Landlord Forum thread 350800

Re: Shut off water by AnonymousFL on February 23, 2017 @12:32

Water is one of those items that defines the habitability of a rental. Having a "landlord is authorized to call the city to shut off the water" clause doesn't mean anything if the city has a policy of not shutting off the water.

You can say what you like in your lease, but that does not make it legel or enforceable (though such language may encourage tenants to lean towards doing the right thing). If the utility company refuses to shut off the water, you may not be able to go that route. Threatening to sue the city isn't going to work and you will only create animosity between you and them...and they will probably remember what a nice fellow you were for a time. You might consider going back, apoligising, and seeing if someone there can offer up some advice or explanation.

Your only option will probably be to wait for the tenant violate their lease (such as non-payment of rent or other fault) or you can non-renew them at the end of their term. Then, you can decide if it is worth it to take them to court if their security isn't enough...and to hit their credit report with the judgement.

As a side note, do you run credit reports when you qualify your tenants? I find it difficult to believe that someone who blatantly does not pay their utility bills has not done the same thing before.

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Re: Shut off water by Joe (MI) on February 23, 2017 @13:34	[ Reply ]

Please read through my message: if water bills become delinquent for more than 30 days. the city has the right to issue a warning notice and then shut off water if no action taken by tenant: Tenant authorized Landlord to call the city to do shut off water. This is Michigan. Water is supplied by the city, not a utility company that shuts off water if bills are not paid. Livability has nothing to do with not paying bills. If an electricity bill is not paid, the company will shut off service, which, for sure, will downgrade the livability!

Re: Shut off water by AnonymousFL on February 23, 2017 @21:58	[ Reply ]

I read your message...you said that the city 'has the right' to 'shut off the water'? Having the right and exercising the right do not appear to be the same thing, does it? Ask your electric company if they will shut off the electricity to a unit in the winter if the bill is not paid. Hint: They won't.