Trying to figger if the utility company has a legal leg to stand on here.
An electrical utility company called earlier this week, noting that the electrical bill for Jan 18-Feb 17, 2014 pertaining to a rental house we own had not been billed out. They were looking for the renter during that period. The previous renter had moved out Jan 17, 2014 & cancelled his service but, because it was winter time, the utility company had continued to provide power to that address.
The renter during that period is the same one that currently rents the unit. While the utility company's hands are tied with FOIP et al., the CSR was able to inform me that yes, they currently supply electricity to the rental address & had done so since Jul 1, 2014. I have no idea who supplied electricity during the interim. I replied that the current renter was the same one who occupied the property during the period in question.
The CSR noted that she would attempt to contact the current renter & forward the bill to her. Got home this afternoon & the same CSR had left a message on the answering machine saying that her efforts to contact the renter had been fruitless & that I, the landlord, would be billed for the electricity & it would be up to me to collect.
To complicate issues, the renter is moving out this weekend, she hasn't paid December rent, her security deposit will not cover rent, damages to the unit above normal wear & tear plus the municipal bill (water & garbage), let alone additional utility bills. 100% sure I don't stand a chance of ever seeing money for the electricity.
Long story, one question: From a legal standpoint, is the landlord responsible in any way, shape or form for electrical and/or gas bills in the name of the renter but not paid by the renter?
My gut response to the electrical company is "Get stuffed".
TIA
An electrical utility company called earlier this week, noting that the electrical bill for Jan 18-Feb 17, 2014 pertaining to a rental house we own had not been billed out. They were looking for the renter during that period. The previous renter had moved out Jan 17, 2014 & cancelled his service but, because it was winter time, the utility company had continued to provide power to that address.
The renter during that period is the same one that currently rents the unit. While the utility company's hands are tied with FOIP et al., the CSR was able to inform me that yes, they currently supply electricity to the rental address & had done so since Jul 1, 2014. I have no idea who supplied electricity during the interim. I replied that the current renter was the same one who occupied the property during the period in question.
The CSR noted that she would attempt to contact the current renter & forward the bill to her. Got home this afternoon & the same CSR had left a message on the answering machine saying that her efforts to contact the renter had been fruitless & that I, the landlord, would be billed for the electricity & it would be up to me to collect.
To complicate issues, the renter is moving out this weekend, she hasn't paid December rent, her security deposit will not cover rent, damages to the unit above normal wear & tear plus the municipal bill (water & garbage), let alone additional utility bills. 100% sure I don't stand a chance of ever seeing money for the electricity.
Long story, one question: From a legal standpoint, is the landlord responsible in any way, shape or form for electrical and/or gas bills in the name of the renter but not paid by the renter?
My gut response to the electrical company is "Get stuffed".
TIA
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