Tenants Unpaid Utilities

[Timothy Burns]

Hello, what does it mean/what can and should I do if I receive in the mail a 'Landlord Copy' of utilities in the rears of one of my units? 

It doesn't say and I can't tell how long they've been ignoring paying this bill but it is getting into the $ hundreds. 

Yes, my lease has a clause that states tenant will and must pay all utilities in full. 

[Theresa Harris]

Start by finding out if you are on the hook for any of them if they don't pay.  Some utilities stay with the house (eg water if the tenant doesn't pay, you get stuck with the bill), others go with the tenant (eg electricity, phone).  I'm sure it varies by area.

Start by giving the tenant notice that they need to pay the utilities or get out and you want proof that they are paid by a set date.  If they don't pay them, tell them you are starting the eviction process or they can make it easy and find another place to live before you start the eviction.  Then keep any monies owed from the security deposit.

In the future, any utilities that you are on the hook to pay if the tenants don't pay, either pay them yourself and have the tenant reimburse you (I do that for water and they add it on to the next month's rent) or have them send you a copy of the bill each time so you can see they are paid in full AND check with the utility company periodically to make sure they are paid.

for those that stay with the home,