Florida Tenant Not Paying Utilities on Time

[Nidhi Every]

Hi there,

Utilities are in landlord's name. There are two tenants in this duplex. We have a section 8 tenant who is recently unemployed. Rent is paid by HUD this month, and after saying she would pay utilities last Friday, she has not. She also stopped responding to messages. Utilities are already paid by landlord for the previous bill, which is now outstanding for her portion. There is only 1 meter for both tenants.

Q: what is the deadline for tenant to pay utilities? Our utility bill is only due Aug 20, but we pay it first week of the month, so the bill was already paid. When do we write a notice? Lease was just renewed and begins Sep 1. Can you start evictions at the start of lease?