Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

deliquent utility bills - landlord responsibility

I recently had a tenant vacate a property will an outstanding utility bill. The utilities were the responsibility of the tenant and not included in rents received. The elec. power company is not allowing me to transfer the account to my name until the bill is paid. I have never received any notice that the bill was deliquent. I am selling the property as part of an estate settlement. Is it legal for the elec power company to deny me service for the tenant's bad debt? Thank you.


Asked on 1/09/07, 3:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: deliquent utility bills - landlord responsibility

Yes, I believe the utility company can hold you for the bill since you're the owner of the property. However, if the deadbeat former tenant is still in the area, you could sue him in small claims court for any amounts which you end up paying for these utilities + costs.

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Answered on 1/09/07, 5:54 pm


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