Collecting utilities for last month of rental?

[Andrew Wu]

Hello all,

Thank you for your advice on my earlier questions. I have another follow-up question:

My tenants (and roommates) have month-to-month lease agreements. They are scheduled to move out at the end of February. In the past, I've usually given up on collecting the amounts due for utilities for the last month (as by the time I get the bill the following month, the tenants have moved out already).

Is there a means by which I can still ask for the utilities for February after I get the bills in March (or later even)? Or is it considered part of the cost of doing business after they have moved out?

Thank you!