Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

I am a homeowner in Pennsylvania. A year ago our township told all residents that we were "required" to hook into their new boro sewer system, even if you have a completely functioning personal septic tank. After the connection fee and installation this is going to be well over $3,000. To make a long story short, my husband has not worked in 3 years due to injury and we have not hooked up. In December the sewer authority started charging us $50 per month for sewer, which we obviously do not have or use.. To date we have not paid these bills, and today we rcvd notice from the District Justice that a civil suit has been filed against us for these past bills. Can we be forced to pay for a service that we have never received??? Don't have a problem paying when we get connected, but was just wondering if they call legally charge us for something we are not using??? Thank you!


Asked on 5/21/12, 10:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Read the township notice. It may have spelled out what you were required to do, including what the consequences would be if you did not comply with the requirement.

To protect yourself and your property from a lien and possible foreclosure, consult with a lawyer who does not represent the township.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 5/21/12, 11:59 am


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