utility bill

[Rmabbett]

What is the name of your state? California
I have lived in a townhouse in Bakersfield for 13 months. I moved in in July, 2002. Till March I never received a gas bill, so assumed it was paid for. I was notified in March that my gas would be shut off unless I signed up. I called an signed up and started receiving my bill in April.
The gas company says I owe $302 from July 2002 to March 2003. All this time it was still in the persons name that used to live here. Am I responsible for this bill from July 2002 till March 2003 when I put it in my name?
I figured if the person who lived here before me is responsible to have it turned off, then is responsible for the bill until doing so.

How do I deal with this situation?

 

[JETX]

"Am I responsible for this bill from July 2002 till March 2003 when I put it in my name?"
*** Since you moved in on that date, you are responsible for the billing incurred during your tenancy. Though you might have a valid complaint about the previous tenant not handling 'there' end of this, you had a greater obligation to make sure that the account was in your name.

And I would assume that the lease clearly says that tenant is responsible for utilities (or at least gas), so you can't say that you "assumed it was paid for".