Utilities

[Kristen T.]

I need some help in figuring out my next step.  I've had new tenants in my townhouse rental since October 1, 2014.  They pay their rent on time, I've done 1 walk through so far and everything looked great, but I'm having problems with getting them to change the water, sewage and trash into their name.  (Only came about after my January walk through as those bills are quarterly here).  Upon signing the lease, they understood that all utilities are the tenants responsibility.  I gave them a sheet with all the phone numbers and companies attached to make the changes.  They got everything switched except these two (water is one and sewage and trash is another).  I've had zero problems with them other than this.  I've forwarded them copies of the bill, offered to even change the lease terms and keep it in my name and add on to the rent quarterly and they said no, they plan on staying long term and will happily switch them...yet, I just called the water authority to confirm, and although the bill was paid, it has yet to be switched.  

What would you do?  I can think of a few ways to handle this, but I'm not sure which is best.  Of course, I do not want a bill to go delinquent in my name, so I'm on the verge of paying this bill and then adding it to next month's rent and sending a certified letter explaining why and the change of terms.

[John Santero]

I would do a 5 day notice that you are cancelling utilities in your name notice. Something is up- maybe they can not put utilities in their names because of prior mishaps.

If you keep them in your name- get a deposit for 2x the ave utility bill as another deposit. Otherwise the same will continue.