Water bill unpaid by tenants

[Marc Dufour]

My tenants left the property at the end of the lease. 10 days later I received on the door a overdue notice at the name of the tenant but my address that they didn't pay for their water and that it is $300. I already sent the security deposit back. - Am I the one liable for the bill? - Should I cancel the security deposit and take the money for the water to pay it directly? - Can the water put a lien on my property even though the water account was at their name?

[Chris K.]

Not sure about your area but in Baltimore the landlord is always ultimately responsible for the bill so I'd be stuck paying that out of pocket. You will have to call your local water company to figure out how it works. 

This is part of the learning process....I'm pretty sure your local water company has a way to check balances due so you need to remember to periodically check to make sure it's current if you are responsible. Also make sure to put in your leases that unpaid water bills are considered the same as late rent.