Runoff utility question... who is responsible?

[Jean Castillo]

Good Evening ALCON,

County has brought up to attention a water issue at one of our properties. My partner and I took possession of the property late October 2020 and water utility company just went up today (JAN 6, 2021) to check on the meter for the owner switch-over. Utility company noticed a usage of 80,000 gallons from late October 2020 which was out closing date thru JAN 6,2021 resulting in a $2,000 bill (landlord pays utilities). While speaking with the tenant, she mentioned that the toilet was always running water unless she opened the rear lid and pushed the seal IN to stop the water runoff. Apparently, this is an issue that was present prior to us taking ownership of the property. I'm not trying to point fingers as the previous owner might not be aware of this issue. However, the tenant was aware and never brought it to attention (she should've been proactive about it).

My end goal is to figure out a way of getting away from this bill or at least partially as neither of us were aware of the situation nor we had access to the property because they were all occupied and COVID concerns. Property is located in Frostburg, Maryland (Allegany County).

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Jean Castillo You can't expect a tenant to bring that kind of situation to anyone's attention; tenants think water is free and why would someone care? The way you find out about this stuff is you look at the bill monthly, and you check this stuff when you inspect. Consider yourself lucky the utility company noticed. Your only hope for remediation would be if they cut you a break-and they might if you ask nicely.