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

[Account Closed]

13 year landlord in the City of Detroit-40 rentals.  

We always had the water bill in our names.  

Put in the lease agreement that Tenant is Responsible for the water bill.

• Water bill comes to landlord in landlords name.  
• Landlord pays the bill.  
• Landlord sends the tenant a copy of the bill.  
• Tenant pays the landlord.  
• Lease also states, that any money received from the tenant will first be applied to any outstanding bills.  This includes a water bill.  
• Tenant doesn't pay water bill.....  Rent money is applied to the water bill, (outstanding bill).  
• Tenant Pays water bill.  
• Landlord happy, 
• City of Detroit Happy, 
• Everybody happy, 
• Except tenant.

Nancy Neville

P.S.  Affadavits to the City of Detroit don't mean Nutting Honey!