UK Landlord Forum / Life

I just received a bill from the utility co.  The water and sewer is in my tenants name.  The utility col said my property is going for be put in the paper and lien on property for unpaid utilities.  Apparently my tenants did not pay utilities for a year and half.  The water company never shut off the water because they stated there was a problem with the valve at the curb.  Consequently it raked up a 3200 water and sewer bill.  Can I evict my tenants for unpaid water bill?  The rent is current.  The utilities is part of the lease that they put it in their name and pay it

Has anyone had any luck garnishing someone's pay for unpaid bills incurred by your tenants?

Surely, it's absolutely nothing to do with you? You say the bill is in the Tenant's name and they still live there. The company in question chases the person responsible for the bill - not the person who owns the property they live in. Why would you want to evict your Tenants - at least at this moment in time you - and the company - know where they are.

Agreed its not your problem.

This is the utility Co trying it on.

They do do that dont they.

I would ask your tenants to pay it.

If they refuse you could issue them with a letter before action. If they still refuse you could issue proceedings via Money Claim Online and ultimately enforce it.

This is all a bit messy if they remain your tenants.

Enforcement could be an issue if the property was rented furnished (no point in taking your own furniture) unless they drive a car of value.

I am confused. 

Did your tenacy agreement state that the tenants were responsible for paying utility bills?

If it did, why are you involved in this ?

In reference to your questions the issue is with the city and the tenant.  The lease clearly states the tenant should pay for the water bill.  The tenant has been sent the bill from the water company for the past 20 months  The tenants just ignored the bills.  I had no knowledge of this..The city has a shortage of man power and they never shut the water off.  The city continued to allow the water to be supplied to the house. consequently resulting in an enormous water bill.  However after 20 months of non payment they looked up the owner of the property (ME) and informed me that the home will be sold at auction for non payment of city utilities.  This is the first time I was notified of this.  Because the City was understaffed and never shut off the water...and because my tenants never paid the utilities I am stuck.  What recourse do I have.  Can I evict them for non payment of utilities which resulted in this mess even if the rent is up to date?

Where is this property located?

Property is located in Trenton NJ

Yes, I started to think it would be the US... I'm afraid I can't help you as I do not know the laws over there... most people here are talking about property in the UK.