Tenant nonpayment of utilities and Xcel account transfer

[Byrne McKenna]

XCEL Energy user comments appreciated! The tenants power was shut off for non-payment and I need to put the account back in my name.

Recently my HOA sent me photos of my rental townhome with a gas generator running in the yard and the electric meter missing and shorted out. There is substantial damage to the electric inlet and panel. I immediately posted a 3 day termination notice for a substantial lease violation. I just filed the eviction in Jeffco. Then I drove by the property and it looks like the tenant is moving out. Thats not surprising since there is no electricity or hot water. I may be getting this property back sooner than anticipated. The court date is the 22nd and I might get a default judgement if they are a no show.

So the real question is what to expect from Xcel. I’ve called several times and I can’t get a straight answer on the turnover. Is there any legal obligation to pay the unpaid utilities? Damages, I presume, with no limits? Thank you for your ideas and experience.

• Byrne McKenna