Tenant utility transfer issues

[Kimberly Oney]

I am asking for a co-owner friend of mine.  She has a property that was leased to an individual. This property was used (and abused). The tenant left with proper notice and was given their deposit back "prematurely" as she states it. The place was a total wreck and drug paraphernalia was found on site.  The tenant alleges they transferred the utilities on the 26th of May and left the house on the 31st.  The home was then cleaned by the owner and the yard (that was dead.. a violation of the lease) watered.  Not excessively. 

The tenant contacts owner yesterday to state that they received a water bill for the month of June in the amount of $600 and it has to be paid by Friday. (60k gallons!!).   Owner states the utilities should have been shut off by tenant when they left. 

  1. Tenant claims there was a water leak outside she's informed owner of a couple times. 

2. Tenant has hired counsel and intends to sue. 

3. Lease states, "Lesee shall be responsible for arranging for and paying for all utility services required on premises" 

4. Tenant was informed that they are responsible for all utilities in their name. 

5. Owner informed tenant that this appears to be an issue with the water company not be completing the transfer. 

Anyone have any idea 1. IF they can reasonably sue the owner?  2. If this actually goes to court or just to mediation?  3. Does the owner have anything to worry about? Tenant now says owner is responsible for the bill, lawyer, and court fees. Etc