Utility Bills..

[Chinmay J.]

So, after my last tenant left earlier this Spring, I quickly rented out my place to a couple for period of 6 months. In the Fall of 2016, I will be moving back to my place. Since it was only 6 month lease, both the tenant and I agreed, and put it in the Lease Agreement that I will be paying for Gas, Water, and Electricity out of my account and they would reimburse me with a check. Given that it was a short lease, both of us agreed that it was a very reasonable approach so as to avoid connection charges.

When I asked for a check last week, I got a quick response from the lady saying she put it in the mail. This was last week. Highly improbable that its going to take 7-8 days for local mail to arrive. Although mail gets lost and delayed from time to time, I am trying to find a solution for this predicament for the long term.

Unfortunately, I didn't put hard conditions that they will be fined for lack or delaying the payment. In retrospect, I probably should have. I know I can always deduct the bill from their security deposit once they leave, but my question was whether I can give them enough notice (2 or 3 weeks) and shut their utilities. Will I be held in breach of the contract if I shut their utilities for non-payment. 

I am a licensed realtor in Commonwealth of Virginia.