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^^^ this is exactly what I've been finding out from friends that had similar situations.
Municipalities have broad power and it's up to the individual to prove them wrong.
Lets face it... property owners make easy targets for the most part and I started this thread to raise awareness.
I guess the point is not to become entangled in the responsibilities of others.
I worked through a garabage lein for a friend in the service years ago... the city just ignored his letters.
I basically camped out in the city managers office and told them I was on vacation and nothing was more important to me than helping out a buddy deployed overseas in Desert Storm and it worked.
Lets face it... property owners make easy targets for the most part and I started this thread to raise awareness.
That is needed for sure. I remember I made a post about this same general topic (liens against landlords for tenant's utilities) a few years ago and was told by responders that I didn't know what I was talking about, that no utility companies had the right to lien a property for the tenants utilities (at that property), and that I should basically learn my job better. Obviously from the replies you got, this is a normal thing across the country.
I've never heard of your scenario happening to anyone before. It is good to know to keep an eye out for this sort of shady business practices.
Very informative thread, and it is much appreciated.
Perhaps one way to prevent this situation is to just pay the utilities and charge a flat rent rate that would, on average, cover the costs of the utilities. Consider that some months the costs will go over and others it will go under - the tenants should just live with it and be glad someone's renting to them.
Also, look into making a separate LLC for each property that you own. It might not be worth it, but at least in a situation like this, it's only the specific property in question that would be in jeopardy and not your entire estate. As with anything, it's best to talk to qualified experts in the field before going this route.
Very informative thread, and it is much appreciated.
Perhaps one way to prevent this situation is to just pay the utilities and charge a flat rent rate that would, on average, cover the costs of the utilities. Consider that some months the costs will go over and others it will go under - the tenants should just live with it and be glad someone's renting to them.
Also, look into making a separate LLC for each property that you own. It might not be worth it, but at least in a situation like this, it's only the specific property in question that would be in jeopardy and not your entire estate. As with anything, it's best to talk to qualified experts in the field before going this route.
Way back when much of California was under water rationing... something that seems to repeat every so often... there was a push for individual meters to help conservation efforts.
People do tend to be more mindful when they are the ones getting the bill.
Basic service here is $2 a day plus a charge for any water used... the tier rate system has some of those I know with landscaping paying $3.50 a unit for water.
Long gone are the days when the water bill was inconsequential...
That is needed for sure. I remember I made a post about this same general topic (liens against landlords for tenant's utilities) a few years ago and was told by responders that I didn't know what I was talking about, that no utility companies had the right to lien a property for the tenants utilities (at that property), and that I should basically learn my job better. Obviously from the replies you got, this is a normal thing across the country.
I've never heard of your scenario happening to anyone before. It is good to know to keep an eye out for this sort of shady business practices.
Managing rental property has been eye opening to say the least...
Every town has it quirks and some will even bill and collect for something and then have to refund when challenged...
My city did this and the county refused to add the assessment to the tax bill so the city sent out invoices... some paid and others did not... a year later it was ruled the city had no authority which is why the county refused to bill...
Like most things... a lot can be gotten away with until someone makes a successful challenge.
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