Tenant stopped paying utilities and company has shut off everything

[Michelle Fay]

Tenant stopped paying utilities and the company shut off everything; it has been 2 weeks now and it looks like the tenants aren’t planning on paying the bill anytime soon. They originally claimed that the meter was acting up which is what caused a spiked in their bill. I called the company and they said that there’s nothing wrong with the meter. The bill is in their names which doesn’t worry me but I am in NJ and winter is approaching the damage that may be done if the home has no electricity, no hot water, no heat can be extreme. Also tenant is asking us to plug in their water tank to our side because since their electricity is off the water tank isn’t working. Which we obviously said no to because I don’t think that’s our responsibility. If I am wrong correct me.

I am planning to start the eviction process soon and wondering if anyone has dealt with something like this. The court is super backed up and if the eviction process takes 5 months that is most likely 5 months of the home being without any electricity or gas. They claim that they owe thousands of dollars and won’t be able to pay. (Btw this is a 2 family home and the lease ended in August and tenants were giving a notice that I would not be renewing the lease as I will be occupying the space). If anyone has dealt with something like this please any advice is appreciated. 

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Michelle Fay:

Tenant stopped paying utilities and the company shut off everything; it has been 2 weeks now and it looks like the tenants aren’t planning on paying the bill anytime soon. They originally claimed that the meter was acting up which is what caused a spiked in their bill. I called the company and they said that there’s nothing wrong with the meter. The bill is in their names which doesn’t worry me but I am in NJ and winter is approaching the damage that may be done if the home has no electricity, no hot water, no heat can be extreme. Also tenant is asking us to plug in their water tank to our side because since their electricity is off the water tank isn’t working. Which we obviously said no to because I don’t think that’s our responsibility. If I am wrong correct me.

I am planning to start the eviction process soon and wondering if anyone has dealt with something like this. The court is super backed up and if the eviction process takes 5 months that is most likely 5 months of the home being without any electricity or gas. They claim that they owe thousands of dollars and won’t be able to pay. (Btw this is a 2 family home and the lease ended in August and tenants were giving a notice that I would not be renewing the lease as I will be occupying the space). If anyone has dealt with something like this please any advice is appreciated. 

 offer them cash for keys to get them out is my suggestion - also start the eviction.