What??? I Got to Pay Evicted Tenant Electric Bill

[Cynthia Brooks]

Hello to all, I have a utility situation Im not sure how to handle. I was in the process of evicting a tenant when they moved out. We had a stipulation agreement for amount they were to pay, date they wer e suppose to pay it and move out date. Of course they failed to live up to the payment( $800) or date of payment portion ( 11/20/17) of the agreement and moved out (12/7/17) before the agreed upon move out date of 12/20/17. The problem is that when I contacted the electric company ( Con Ed) I was told they cancelled service on 12/1/17. The electricity is still ON. I was told if I wish to put the utility in a temporary account until get another tenant they would charge me begining 12/1/17. Call me strange but I dont feel like picking up the tab for their electricity bill. Now I admit my workman did go in and fix the place up ,took them 10 days ( I don't even want to go into the condition these tenants left the apartment in...lets just say it took a carpenter, painter, plumber exterminator and hardwood floor guy to reassemble the apartment). And I have had showings last last three (3) Saturdays for 2 hours each. I have no problem paying for my fair share of use I just dont want to pay for thier free ride anymore. I asked the utility rep when electricity would be turned off, they didnt know. Im still showing apartment and dont know when the lights will go out. Guess Im stuck footing the bill until I sue them in small claims court . What do you think, open temporary account (paying thier portion of the bill)? Or take my chances with the lights going out any day ? Thank you for your assistance.