Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Who Pays the unpaid bills???

I recently purchased a house through a Sheriffs Auction. The former owners filed bankruptcy. When I went to turn the water and sewage on in the house. I was told I had to pay the former customers water bill, before they would turn on the water. Should I have to pay the bill to get my water and sewage turned on? They city did not file any liens on the house for ther unpaid bill.


Asked on 6/16/02, 10:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gerald Hershenson Law Office of Gerald M. Hershenson

Re: Who Pays the unpaid bills???

It depends. If you forced the sheriff sale on a debt owed to you, then you are responsible for all real estate taxes and municipal liens against the real estate. However, if the property was bid up at the sheriff's sale and you were the successful bidder you would not be responsible as the debt must be paid out of the money that was deposited on the bid price before the property is transfered. A party causing the sheriff sale must must bid all costs, liens, taxes, transfer taxes as part of his bid price to protect that his debt that his debt will be paid out of the proceeds of the sheriff sale. Suggest you consult an attorney. If I can be of any assistence let me know. Gerald Hershenson 215-579-9390

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Answered on 6/17/02, 9:43 am


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