New Tenants have Not turned on Utilities

[Amanda Barnes]

Tenants moved in June 1st.  We gave them a month free because we were 2 weeks late in providing the rental.  We went on vacation right after they moved in and they failed to turn on the utilities in their name and Friday we returned and asked them why had they not done it they said they had been busy and they were planning on doing it next Friday.  I told them no, they had to get it done on Monday, they already had two free weeks of utilities.  They are on a month to month lease.

What are our options legally should they fail to turn the utilities on in their name on Monday? 

[Greg Scott]

Why are you giving them free utilities?

When we have a resident that fails to turn on the utilities we charge them back for the utilities plus an administration fee.  Hopefully you have a well-written lease that makes it clear they have violated the terms of their lease.