Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Ohio

I along with two other roommates rented a house from the beginning of May to the end of October. Originally we were under one landlord but this changed during the summer and we had a new landlord. Somehow the ownership of the house changed hands. We were responsible for utilities, but not because of a lease, because there was no contract with this new landlord. We moved out at the end of October (the landlord was given 30 days notice) and paid all of our utilities. However, somehow, unknown to us at the time, our payment was never received by the water department. Now about 4 months later we get a call from our former landlord telling us that they had to pay a $309 water bill. Our bill that we paid was $90. This former landlord paid the bill and now wants us to reimburse her for this payment.

Now, we had paid the water bill but apparently the water department never received it. Are we responsible to pay all or a portion of this water bill that we thought was paid? and, was it our landlord's responsibility to change the name for the utilities or ours?


Asked on 2/10/10, 12:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew J Ruzicho II Law offices of Andrew J Ruzicho II

If the water company never received it then you did not pay the bill. You would be responsible for the water bill that you received originally. Generally, the water bill stays in the name of the property owner and not the tenants.

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Answered on 2/16/10, 1:47 pm


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