Rental Property Investor · Batavia, IL · Member since 2018 · 452 posts · 672 votes
6y
@Robert Hernandez If the tenant didn't the pay water bill when they lived there, I'm sure they're not going to pay it after they've been evicted. I would pay the bill and move on, not worth the hassle of going after an evicted tenant for it.
Rental Property Investor · Batavia, IL · Member since 2018 · 452 posts · 672 votes
6y
@Robert Hernandez If the tenant didn't the pay water bill when they lived there, I'm sure they're not going to pay it after they've been evicted. I would pay the bill and move on, not worth the hassle of going after an evicted tenant for it.
Investor · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 944 votes
6y
It totally depends on where you live. In some municipalities, the water and/or sewerage bill is tied to the property...even if the bill is in someone else's name. In some municipalities, it isn't.
For example, my rentals are in Orleans Parish (county). Water/sewerage is NOT tied to the property, so I am not responsible for any of those bills that a tenant shirks on. Thank goodness because I've had it happen twice where a property got turned back over to me with the water meter missing because the tenant hadn't paid their bill. Though I would also structure things differently if I was ultimately responsible.
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
6y
@Robert Hernandez as @Jennifer T. said it depends on your area. In Baltimore city, the city itself is the water company. The property owner is responsible for the water bill. If it is not paid it become a lien on the property.
That is how it is in most areas, however that may not be the case where you are.
Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 546 posts · 227 votes
6y
Don't mean to sound like an echo in a room, but as others above have noted, really depends on the area you're in; and yes, @Ned Carey has it spot on (as far as the responsibility of the water bill and who that falls on). I would otherwise pay it and move on but also depends on how much it is for; could take it to small claims court now that they've already been evicted, no? @Robert Hernandez