Can I suea former tenantin small claims if they left an unpaid water bill?
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Can I suea former tenantin small claims if they left an unpaid water bill?
The bill will be attached to the property taxes if not paid; it is for $816; tenant was responsible for payment.
Asked on March 26, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If your lease with the tenant - which is a binding contract - stated that they were responsible for the payment of the water bill while they lived in the premises and they left without paying it then yes, you can sue them in small claims court for the money. Was the bill in their name or in your name? If it is in their name then it is better for proof. But if it is in your name and you have a copy of the lease, that proof should be good as well. Make sure that the dates of the bill coincide with their tenancy as well. If they paid a prior bill that could also be proof of the agreement. I think then that you should be all set. Good luck.
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