 Debt Utilities (by Henson [DC]) Sep 25, 2009 12:24 PM
 Debt Utilities (by Judy [AZ]) Sep 25, 2009 12:37 PM
Debt Utilities (by MrRational [MD]) Sep 25, 2009 1:15 PM
Debt Utilities (by ManateeAlley [FL]) Sep 25, 2009 1:34 PM
Debt Utilities (by TE [TX]) Sep 25, 2009 3:25 PM
Debt Utilities (by Ed [PA]) Sep 25, 2009 3:28 PM
Debt Utilities (by Reid [KS]) Sep 25, 2009 4:55 PM
Debt Utilities (by Jason PA [PA]) Sep 25, 2009 5:28 PM
Debt Utilities (by Chris [CA]) Sep 25, 2009 8:14 PM
Debt Utilities (by MrRational [MD]) Sep 25, 2009 10:56 PM
Debt Utilities (by dan [TX]) Sep 26, 2009 6:31 AM
Debt Utilities (by billy [MA]) Sep 26, 2009 6:44 AM
Debt Utilities (by Henson [DC]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 12:24 PM
Message:
State Specific Question About: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (DC)
I just found out that my Tentant of 4 years did not pay Washington Gas and never set up an account. As the homeowner, I contacted the gas co. and was told that they will bill the next person that opens an account for that property for the consumption used over the past 4 years! I officially closed the account in July 2005, and the Lease stated that all utility accounts were to be opened by the Tenant and paid accordingly. Can I legally be held responsible for the four year tab? Can I file a small claims case or report this to on the Tenants credit report? If so, how? Also, is there a fast way to report the amount of rent in arrears? --205.212.xx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by Judy [AZ]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 12:37 PM
Message:
I find it hard to believe that the gas company has supplied gas for 4 years without payment...somethings fishy... --72.200.xxx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by MrRational [MD]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 1:15 PM
Message:
two separate issues here:
1) whatever the tenant may owe the gas company that you are certain is not your reponsibility.
2) proving that it is not your responsibility so you can get another tenant in there and moving on with your life, etc.
I suggest focusing on the second point and ignoring the first point.
A lawyer will probably be required at least for advice a phone call and writing a letter or two. Get a lawyer first thing.
--65.127.xxx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by ManateeAlley [FL]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 1:34 PM
Message:
Negligence on the part of the utility company should NOT be held against you, the registered owner. You notified the utility company of your closing the account. The fact that they failed to secure their service line, and never checked the status of the meter again won't look good to the Court if it goes that far. If there was any tampering with the seal or connection, the utility should proceed with CRIMINAL charges against the former tenant. I would stay in contact with the utility company until its resolved so there is not a black mark on your credit. --66.176.xxx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by TE [TX]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 3:25 PM
Message:
So your saying the utility company knew someone was stealing from them, but did cut off service the entire 4 years? You officially closed the account with them in July 2005. Call the agency the Public Utility Commission for your state and file a complaint with them.
You should still have the closing statement/bill for tax purposes. I would use that as evidence.
If they chose not to disconnect at that time and didn't collect or discontinue after that is THEIR NEGLECT.
That said its going to be long ass fight and you are problably going to have to pay it in mean time.
That totally sucks for you! --99.185.xxx.xx |
Debt Utilities (by Ed [PA]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 3:28 PM
Message:
Go higher in the company and contact the PUC or DC's equivalent agency. --71.195.xx.xx |
Debt Utilities (by Reid [KS]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 4:55 PM
Message:
In kansas you couldn't be held accountable , But in Washington , Well that's another story. Sometimes these utilities try to bully someone into paying that doesn't owe the debt hoping they can scare someone, anyone into paying. --70.249.xx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by Jason PA [PA]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 5:28 PM
Message:
I don't know about dc, but in PA if the utility company is owned by a local government entity then that utility can lien the property and hold owner totally responsible for any unpaid bills.
You need to check if this is how it is in dc because you probably would be SOL. You could probably sue the thieving tenant though. --74.99.xxx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by Chris [CA]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 8:14 PM
Message:
the squeaky wheel gets the oil. - Send a complaint, ask to speak to their Executive Team handling complaints.
Demand everything in writing and file a complaint with the PUC (Public Utility Commission) or a similar regulatory body.
I saw tenant bills, 4-digits for the electricity in a 2/1 duplex.
Here I disagree with Mr. Rational. You can and should do a lot yourself! *** Buy their stock, file a Shareholders' Motion and bring this "due process" up at the next AGM.
no one paying for 4 years? I thought I heard it all! --125.25.xx.xx |
Debt Utilities (by MrRational [MD]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2009 10:56 PM
Message:
chris, I'll agree that you, I and many other regulars here would be able to do a lot more ourselves... ;)
--65.127.xxx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by dan [TX]) Posted on: Sep 26, 2009 6:31 AM
Message:
I had a similar situation happen a couple of months back. The rep at the company insisted that I was responsible so I puished it up the ladder, presented my lease and the rest is history. Hope you have a lease. --68.203.xxx.xxx |
Debt Utilities (by billy [MA]) Posted on: Sep 26, 2009 6:44 AM
Message:
never give them the keys before u are sure they signed up for utilities if they will be responsible for them.i think u should be able to get out of this but u may need an atty . --208.58.x.xx |
Reply:
|
|