Tenant didn't pay water bill, now they're coming after me

[Brad Thomas]

Hi all. General legal question. I have a rental unit in an area that is served by a private water & sewage company. The lease called for the tenant to pay these charges. The account was set up in her name, but she is now gone (she gave proper notice and we parted ways peacefully) and I just received a letter from the company saying she never paid her bill (for over a year!) and that I have to pay it (I am on record as the owner/landlord). Does the company have a right to demand payment from me? Didn't they establish a contractual relationship with the tenant? Do they have a right to put a lien on my property if I don't pay? I will, of course, contact the former tenant and try to get her to pay (she might), but I'm just curious. I am in New York state.