Utilities Not Paid- AGAIN

[Paul Sassin]

Hey Guys!

Need your advise!!!

I have a few duplexes in detroit metro for last 6 years. Things are going well however we have been burned twice with our tenants not paying water bill. Both have left us with a $2000 plus bill at end of there lease.

What protections should I be taking so this doesn’t happen again? We tried getting them on payment plans but it didn’t work. Should we put it in our name and have tennant pay us directly for the utilities? sadly I believe similar results would come from it but i could use your advice!

Thanks! Paul

[Theresa Harris]

Tell them when they pay the rent, you need a copy of the utilities bills to ensure they are being paid or as you said you pay and they add it to their rent.  As soon as they do not pay, then give them notice and start the eviction process.  While it may result in one bill not being paid, it won't result in months and months of unpaid bills.