Water bill transfer to tenant in Southern California

Member since 2020 · 8 posts · 6 votes

Hi guys question . I have a triplex in Southern California and I inherited the tenants a year ago. I want to transfer water bill to the tenants because the bill has tripled. I wrote a letter giving 1 month notice and the tenant replied that water is landlord responsibility. They do not have a contract or lease. Thoughts please?

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member

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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes

Don't argue with Tenants. They are not under a lease, so this is your opportunity to put them under one.

"Dear Tenant,

I hereby require all tenants to be under a written lease agreement. You are responsible for reviewing the attached agreement. If you wish to stay, have all adults sign the agreement and return to me. If you do not wish to rent under these terms, fill out the attached Notice of Termination and return to me. Either way, I expect your written response no later than [DATE]. If you fail to provide any response, I will serve you with a Notice of Termination and you will be expected to vacate no later than 30 days after that notice. These offers are non-negotiable."

Honestly, this is my nice version. If a tenant tries to push me around, I get rid of them. It's a clear indication they are highly likely to cause problems in the future and I'm not in the mood for games.

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
4y
Don't argue with Tenants. They are not under a lease, so this is your opportunity to put them under one.
"Dear Tenant,
I hereby require all tenants to be under a written lease agreement. You are responsible for reviewing the attached agreement. If you wish to stay, have all adults sign the agreement and return to me. If you do not wish to rent under these terms, fill out the attached Notice of Termination and return to me. Either way, I expect your written response no later than [DATE]. If you fail to provide any response, I will serve you with a Notice of Termination and you will be expected to vacate no later than 30 days after that notice. These offers are non-negotiable."
Honestly, this is my nice version. If a tenant tries to push me around, I get rid of them. It's a clear indication they are highly likely to cause problems in the future and I'm not in the mood for games.
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Lalaine-Datu Villafuerte
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Member since 2020 · 8 posts · 6 votes
4y
Thank you so much for your reply Nathan! I really appreciate it.
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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y
Like @Nathan Gesner says, Tenants don't get to have an opinion. Tell them they're going to be paying for water starting X date. Or they can choose to move.....
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Peter MckernanBusiness Member
Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y
@Lalaine-Datu Villafuerte for the bill, it really comes down to what you have in the agreement/lease since that is your ledger and guiding light for the house/rules. If this was what was agreed to in the beginning with their first landlord, you would have to formally inform the tenant of the change that being price increase in rent, change in contract, or anything else that would affect living conditions.
I would give them formal notice of changing it into their name, and if it does not happen with them still refusing then you start the eviction process/kick them out.
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Lalaine Villafuerte
Member since 2021 · 1 post · 0 votes
4y
Thank you so much for your response Peter! I really appreciate it.
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