Tenant left with a big hydro bill

[llee]

Hi,

My tenant (he paid his own utility) left as agreed last week. He has been paying rent late, and I am glad he moved out himself.

Today, in the mailbox, I found there`s a letter from the Hydro saying that his balance of $1,500 is still outstanding, and the service may be terminated. My new tenant is coming in 2 weeks, so I don`t care if the service is terminated now or not.

But should I be worried that Hydro will ask *me* to pay for the bill? I will call Hydr on Monday, but wanted to check if anyone has experienced this on this forum.

Thanks

 

[wealthyboomer]

QUOTE (llee @ Apr 4 2009, 08:14 PM) Hi,
My tenant (he paid his own utility) left as agreed last week. He has been paying rent late, and I am glad he moved out himself.

Today, in the mailbox, I found there`s a letter from the Hydro saying that his balance of $1,500 is still outstanding, and the service may be terminated. My new tenant is coming in 2 weeks, so I don`t care if the service is terminated now or not.

But should I be worried that Hydro will ask *me* to pay for the bill? I will call Hydr on Monday, but wanted to check if anyone has experienced this on this forum.

Thanks

You are NOT responsible for someone else`s DEBTS! Although they might intimidate you into paying, and that could be perceived as Extortion. They also might want you to tell them of his forwarding address. Careful that you don`t contravene the PIPEDA.

 

[NorthernAlex]

If the hydro bill was addressed to his name I would not even bother calling them, because you actually are not allowed to open his letters. Why did you?
My tenants who left a couple weeks ago were receiving letters, too. I was returning them to sender mentioning on the envelope that they dont live here anymore.

Just my 2cents.

 

[llee]

QUOTE (NorthernAlex @ Apr 5 2009, 09:04 AM) If the hydro bill was addressed to his name I would not even bother calling them, because you actually are not allowed to open his letters. Why did you?

Actually, the statement was open, dated mid-March. It just shocked me about the bill. But you`re correct. I don`t even need to bother calling the Hydro, because it`s really none of my business, as the account is not addressed to me.

Thanks.