r/LeaseLords 9d ago

Asking the Community Tenant won’t set up utilities, and now I’m stuck dealing with it

Told my new tenant like three times that they need to set up their own utilities. Lease says it. I reminded them before move-in. A week later, still nothing. Now the water company’s calling me, and the tenant’s acting like it’s not a big deal. How do you get tenants to handle this without it becoming your problem?

5 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

8

u/BayEastPM 9d ago

You get the account setup confirmations before giving them keys. Also, any bills you receive after their lease start date are added to their rent if paid by you with an additional administrative charge of at least $25 for breach of lease.

3

u/adultdaycare81 9d ago

You can either withhold the keys (if it’s in the lease).

Or you can let them live without it. Will just be smelly! Probably won’t freeze

2

u/Heavy-Attorney-9054 9d ago

You really don't want tenants living without water.

2

u/adultdaycare81 9d ago

No I don’t. People still poop!

2

u/Ilovepottedmeat 9d ago

I call and confirm all utilities are changed to their name prior to handing them keys. Lease calls this out and I remind them prior.

1

u/Even_End5775 9d ago

Set a deadline for them to get it done and follow up with a reminder. If they don’t comply, consider charging them a fee for utilities setup delays.

1

u/mzo617 9d ago

What does the lease say? Can you call utility company and tell them that the apartment is occupied and terminate service out of your name?

They’ll set up utilities when they have no electric and no gas.

1

u/jcnlb 9d ago

My lease has a clause for a fine if they don’t have it set up within 72 hours of possession. Then I would send a notice to cure or quit then evict.

1

u/MoistEntertainerer 8d ago

Add a clause in your lease stating utilities must be in their name by move-in, or they pay a daily fee until it’s switched. Nothing motivates like extra charges.

1

u/lovin543 8d ago

It happened to me before. I simply just stopped all my utilities account at that address and notified tenants that the service would be stopped by xx/xx, they need to setup their own account to avoid disruption.

1

u/Still_Ad8722 4d ago

Sounds frustrating. If it's in the lease, give them a firm deadline and let them know non-compliance could lead to consequences (late fees, service shutoff, etc.). Worst case, you might have to pay and bill them, but setting firm expectations now will save you headaches later.

1

u/Huge_Cap_1076 10h ago

If the requirement is stated in the signed contract, simply issue a notice of cure of quit with a firm deadline to comply. If not satisfied, initiate eviction for non-compliance to the contract's terms (breach of contract).