Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
California: Renters moved out of house leaving caregiver living there. Caregiver placed electric bill in my (owner's) name. Am I responsible for the bill?
Asked on 3/19/12, 8:02 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple
Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law
Probably. It is entirely reasonable for the electric utility to believe that the last person in possession of a property has at least some authority to have the power turned on, off, or the account transferred back to the owner. If you need a legal theory, the caregiver would be considered your "ostensible agent," meaning the person to whom you apparently delegated authority to make decisions regarging the electric power. Look it up on Google. In my opinion, it will be very difficult to convince a court that the electric utility is not entitled to be paid.
Answered on 3/19/12, 9:03 am