Advice on Tenants in Property Just Purchases

[Matt Scholten]

Hi Guys,

I just purchased a Duplex Property in Grand Rapids and I am looking for some advice in dealing with the current tenants. The duplex is separately metered for Gas and Electric and the lease existing with the tenants from the previous owner states the tenants are responsible for all utilities. The previous owner had all the utilities in his name including Gas, Electric, Water and Sewer, Internet, and Trash. When I took over the property I informed the tenants that we would be changing the process and all utilities would be in their names and paid directly by them to the utility provider. I am experiencing a lot of push back from the tenants, as they do not want to put the utilities in their name. I told them the lease states all utilities are the tenants responsibility. However, they argue that the precedent had been set for the landlord to have all utilities in his name even though this is not stated in the lease. 

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated, as I am trying to avoid the hassle of paying all the utility bills and then having to bill the tenants back.

Thanks!