Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

Is it illegal for a new tenant to use a former tenants' name to continue a utility service? the former tenant failed to have utility discontinued when they moved and two months later received a bill forwarded to new address stating that past bills have been paid.but the new bill is due.but the former tenant does not live there nor do they have a utility bill of that nature in their name.isn't that illegal? if so,what can be done?


Asked on 7/08/10, 5:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

This is like leaving a computer on the front seat of the car and the doors unlocked, then wondering why it was stolen.

The first tenant was simply asking for someone to do that by being negligent and not handling financial affairs in an appropriate manner. The cost of doing that is to pay the bill and make sure it is out of their name (you left out that important detail). Sure, the next tenants were also wrong and dishonest by letting it go and they should also fix the account name and pay their bill.

In short, both sides were wrong and whichever one you are, you should pay the bill and correct the account. If you are the first tenant, forget about making a legal issue out of a power bill and treat it as a lesson in handling your affairs in the future.

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Answered on 7/09/10, 3:32 am


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