Unpaid utility bill

[Eric Stewart]

I’ve had a horrible tenant this first year with my property. Let’s just say that this was not a good start to my RE business. 
Anyway, the tenant didn’t pay their water bill for the duration of the lease and now $2000 is owed. The utility provider never contacted me about it so I didn’t know until they got evicted. Is there anything I can do to push this cost on the tenant somewhere or is this something I have to pay?

Thanks for any guidance 

[Drew Sygit]

@Eric Stewart no offense, but this is what happens when you don't do enough research before buying a rental and DIY managing.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/1106522-1st-r...

Why didn't your agent Collin educate you about all this? 

Isn't he an "investor-friendly agent"?

We keep trying to tell everyone that a PMC is the BEST member of your Core 4, not an agent.

Since your property is in Eastpointe, the water bill will stay attached to the property - unless you want to go through a ridiculous Water Transfer process to put in the tenant's name. 

We know the investor that sued the City of Eastpointe to force them to create the program to meet Michgian Statutes and even contributed to the case. In response the city created a program with so many hoops and escapes in it, that it's baiscally useless.

PM us if you'd like to know the best way to avoid this happening in the future and why cities do NOT want to put water in the name of a tenant.