Sewer Bill Mystery - Who Pays?

[Philip C.]

Hello BPers,

I purchased a house with tenants in place and according to the lease they signed, the tenants are responsible for paying the sewer bill. Strangely, the month after I bought the home, the sewer bill stopped being paid. 5 months later it continues to remain unpaid and the bill continues to rise. When my PM asked them about it, he says they told him they've never paid the sewer bill.

Is it possible the former owner paid it all along, even though the lease states the tenant was supposed to?

How can I find out who paid it. Will the Water/Sewer Department tell me?

I was hoping my PM would have taken care of it by now, but for some reason it hasn't and I'm out of State. Now, a collections agency is involved.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.