Utilities Not in Tenants Name

[Robert Carl]

I inform tenants when filling out their application that they are to be able to have utilities turn on in their name. One of my new tenants when I called the gas and electric company I found out that they did not have the utilites in their name. No other issues currently with tenant. What are yall views on this?

Thanks for all the advice

[Jon Holdman]

Remind the tenant they need to get the utilities into their name ASAP. Ideally, you do this before they move in, but I've found that's not always practical. If there is a delay, I tell the tenant the amount they own me and that it has to be sent with the next months rent. My lease allows me to apply money to such charges before the rent. So, if they only pay me the rent amount I apply part of it to the utilities and then the rent is later. That incurs late fees and starts the eviction. I've never had it come to that.