Tenant didn't transfer utilities in to their name.

[Matthew Reid]

I did not do the best job selecting a tenant and am paying for it now. I have a tenant that has failed to transfer utilities into their name per the lease when they moved in. I have forwarded all the Bills and reminders over to the tenant. I am now getting emails and phone calls from city water and light to pay the utilities because the utilities are still in my name. Am I legally obligated to pay the utilities if they were never transferred over?

[Takeo Kingi]

I haven't experienced this yet, however if you still remain in good communication with the tenant I would let them know the utilities will be turned off Starting November 1st  and provide all the contact information for all the utility companies so they can easily call them to put them in their name. Let them know it's an easy process and if they want to avoid any interruption in utility services its best to contact them right away.