Tenant failed to transfer utilities

[Mak K.]

I have a tenant who moved in. She is running low on funds all of sudden and has not transferred to gas and water connection. The gas connection is under my name .  Water connection account was never opened due to recent sale.  But of course water is on since water authority has not turned the valve off.

Anyways, what can be done? The reason she is delaying is because she has to pay deposits to utilities and she does not have funds.

It’s already 15 days and I think now she is taking advantage and being bossy to as if she deserves a special treatment. We also did help her out with security deposit payment plan.  

So what can be done to force her to change the utilities in her name?

[Greg Scott]

#1 What does your lease say?  A good lease would specify the remedies.  Often there is a fine for not transferring utilities.

#2 When she pays rent next month the first monies go to pay the back utilities and fines.  Whatever is left over goes towards rent.  If you don't get 100% of rent by the 3rd (I believe that is the date in Texas) you start down the eviction process, first with a letter demanding payment and then 10 days later by filing for a court date.