Security Deposit question

[Bettina S.]

More and more Utility companies make it the responsibility of the landlord when the tenant has an outstanding utility bill at move-out even so the lease mandates for the tenant to be responsible for the utilities. Has any of you set a separate deposit for utilities or asked for a larger initial security deposit to cover outstanding utility bills? Currently our security deposit is one months rent and yes we can use that to pay for outstanding utilities. We never had any issues in the past but I am looking to be prepared when something happens. Any advice  would be appreciated.