How to handle a dispute with a Utility company that landlord never sign up for?

[Daniel Ng]

My friend has a rental property. On the lease the tenants are suppose to pay for the utilities.

The Gas company sent him a termination notice stating that the Gas meter was tampered with, and he has to paid $300. He didn't notice the "bill", so it is now going through a Collection company. He did not open an account with the Gas company, so we don't know how the account was open with his information.

The rental property is manage through a property management company. The Management company took over the property once it was brought, since we use their Real Estate Agent. He has not had any contact with the tenants.