Tenant Has Not Paid Gas Bill!

[Jennifer Boney]

Hi,

This is my first post although I have been a long-term lurker! I've learned so much from this site already and would appreciate guidance on an issue I have with a rental, since I haven't been able to find a similar thread.

I have a tenant who's been living in my SFH rental for 3 months who's already had some payment issues, and I just heard from her saying that her gas has been turned off. Apparently she owes $500 from a previous bill (from her former residence) and cannot have the gas turned back on at our property until this is paid off...which she said would take a while.

My question is, how should I respond/what should I do? Her lease states that a tenant has the obligation to keep all utilities on, including gas. So she's technically in breach of her lease, but I'd kind of feel bad piling on if I start eviction proceedings (I know this is a business but still...). Is there any liability for me if I let her stay in the property knowing there's no gas?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!