Am I In Trouble?
I have recently gotten into the rental business. I have rented a unit to a college student. When he moved in we were to take care of the water bill, but he was supposed to forward it to me. Long story short, he didn't forward anything, we didn't think about it, water got shut off. The water was turned off 11/4 by the city, he called me 11/5, and water was turned on 11/6. He seems to think we are in breach of our lease and is threatening lawsuits, etc. Does he really have a leg to stand on? I didn't turn the water off. I didn't intentionally not pay the bill. On the other hand, I think he is trying to get out of the lease and didn't forward anything on purpose, waiting for this to happen. He claims to have never recieved a bill, or notice from the city. What are your thoughts?
Get him out of there would be my first thought. If he is already trying to sabotage you, he's probably no good (of course this attitude comes from dealing with many tenants)
You can easily call the utility department and get the water in your name and a different address.
I don't understand why you didn't have the water company mail you the bill directly in the first place, or let the tenant pay his own water.
Anyway, how is this tenant otherwise? Does he pay on time and keep your property clean and maintained? If he is a good tenant, you may try to work things out.
If you are concerned about legal ramifications consult an attorney. I don't think he has a leg to stand on. If anything, he could refuse rent 1-2 days...big deal. Furthermore, being a college student, I doubt he has the money or knowledge to consult with an attorney to get anything started. I know I didn't when I was in college.
Assuming he is a good tenant otherwise, I would switch bill to come directly to me, and would try to appease him with a token gift (preferably something that will be mutually beneficial like painting a room, 1 time maid service, carpet cleaning, etc)
Is it in the lease that you would pay the water bill?
Is your tenant/student studying law?
How could you be in trouble? You clearly got the problem resolved in a very timely manner.
If all else was positive about him, I would have a chat to know why he reacted that way. If not, I would let him go now if you can re-rent it fast this time of year.
Thanks everyone for your responses. He is attending Gonzaga University and who knows who his friends are. The school does have a very good law school. I think the real problem is he is paying for a 2 bedroom unit and can't find a roommate. (i.e. can't afford the rent) I think we are going to terminate the lease and find someone new. I'll post results. I am dealing with him today.
Anytime I have to pay the water at a rental unit, I have a clause in the lease that I will pay up to whatever the typical amount of the average bill is. My lease will say that the tenant is responsible for anything over that amount. This keeps tenants from abusing the utilities by letting all of their friends shower there and/or running the water constantly to spite me when they are angry for some reason. It also makes them call right away when the toilet won't stop running.