Isa landlord responsible for their tenant’s unpaid electric bill?
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Isa landlord responsible for their tenant’s unpaid electric bill?
Asked on March 28, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, California
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
No, a landlord is usually not responsible for their tenant's unpaid electric bill if the current tenant is the one who did not pay and the utility is in the name of the tenant and not part of a joint bill for the landlord. Further, the landlord has an option to evict the tenant if the electric bill is unpaid if it concerns effecting other parts of the property (think east coast snow and ice storms). If the tenant moves out, they still take that bill with them and depending on how quickly the landlord informs the electric company, the landlord may not be responsible for that unpaid bill and also for any reconnection fees for any new tenants. If this is part of your rent and the landlord has not paid, contact the electric company and see if it can now be transferred to you wherein you owe nothing on back owed utilities. If they say no and you would have to pay the back owed monies, you can and take it out of your rent.
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