Problems And High Bills Baltimore City Public Works

[Joseph Fasusi]

Hello everyone, I have had an issue with Baltimore City for a while now. I had a rental property I purchased back in 2018. I had tenants that I was renting to. They stopped paying the water bill 3 months before they left. I called the city and they said the last bill was $180 dollars which $120 was paid and there was a balance of $40 plus service fees. Fast forward to 2019 I got a bill for $3800. So there was a total of 8 months or so no one was living in the house or using running water. I had a plumber come out to check for any leaks we found a small leak upstairs but he assured me it was a very small leak and there is no way I should have a bill for $3800. I called Baltimore City and they had no explanation for the high bill.

I ended up selling the house and the money was taken out and paid to Baltimore City at closing. I now have another investment property I just purchased 3 months ago that I plan to rehab. This property is not in living condition and we are planning a full gut everything has to come out and be replaced down to the frame. So this house when completed would be considered a new build. I got a notice from Baltimore City water saying they opened an account in my name and I will be charged a service fee and other fees for service I am not using. How can they open an account in my name and start charging me fees for services I am not using? Isn't this fraud?

I have called Baltimore City to cease and desist from sending me a bill for services and an account I never opened or consisted too. Keep in mind this house doesn't even have a working water meter or running water. Just trying to weigh my opinions before talking to a lawyer.