Updated about 1 month ago on . Most recent reply
Troubled Tenant - Not switching utility after move in
am a landlord in Massachusetts. I have a tenant who moved into the unit in January 2026. Per the lease, the tenant is responsible for electric service and was required to place the National Grid account in her name at move‑in.
Despite multiple written reminders, the tenant has still not transferred the utility account. I am now receiving shutoff notices from National Grid and am being told I must pay the balance or the electric service will be terminated.
This tenant is problematic, and an eviction case is already pending.
My questions are:
- Is there any lawful way for me, as the landlord, to avoid paying the tenant’s electric bill in this situation?
- If I do not pay and National Grid shuts off the electricity, would that place me in violation of Massachusetts landlord‑tenant law?
Any guidance from MA landlords or attorneys would be appreciated.
Most Popular Reply
It does not help for this tenant but for going forward you should stop service on move in day. I rent in Massachusetts and work with Eversource and National Grid for utilities. I always schedule a service turn off for the day of move in and tell the tenants who to call for gas and electricity to be turned on.