Detroit Water Bills: Landlord-Tenant vs. Direct Payment By Tenant

[Marc M.]

Hey Folks,

I'm looking for some veteran Detroit Landlords to chime in on this one: 

Which route is better to take with the Detroit Water Department on a rental: 

1) Affidavit of Lessee Responsibility For Water and Sewerage Bills Individual Owner Acknowledgment

2) Direct Payment by Tenant Agreement (Tenant (or landlord?) pays $112 deposit)

From what I understand, as the new owner of the property, I'm pretty much on the hook for non-payment of the water bill no matter which form I submit. Both forms require the tenant to go down to the water department unless I get the first form notarized somewhere else in the presence of the tenant. 

Let me know what you think!

Best,

Marc