Turning off electricity service while tenant is living there

[Jorge Liang]

Los Angeles market. Tenant pays rent on time. He has not paid utilities since Aug 2022. I am currently going through the Small Claims process to recover the unpaid amount. The electricity utility account is under my name (a mistake, I know). I have called LADWP (electricity provider), and they confirmed that the homeowner is not responsible for unpaid bills if the bill is under the tenant's name - even after the tenant vacates the property.

Given what LADWP is telling me, I am inclined to stop service ASAP and inform the tenant to start service in his name. I plan to give tenant 3 day notice (less if I can) via mail and email. What are the steps I need to follow to make sure I am doing this correctly without exposing myself to legal challenges?

[Henry T.]

Don't turn off. You'll get sued. If your lease says he pays utilities. sue him for what he owes, or evict him for the lease violation.  the name on the utility account doesn't really matter, imho. Your written agreement is  what matters.