Problems with water service

[03evan]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

When I signed my lease in OCT, i signed agreeing that I would be responsible for water and sewer in the house I am living in. Months went by and I did not recieve a bill, but this being my first rental where I was responsible for these charges, I thought nothing of it. Then in JAN, my water was shut off for non-payment. The property management company admitted their mistake and had the water turned back on.

Now for the currnet problem. A couple of weeks ago, i recieved a bill for 373.00 due by March 2nd. The postmark on the envelope was March 27th. This is the first water bill I have ever seen since I moved into this house.The bill is not in my name, but rather the owner of the property. Since I am not on the account(I was supposed to be added to the account back in october, but the property management company is really dropping the ball) I am unable to get any information out of the water company other than if I don't pay the full balance by tomorrow, my water will be shut off. I do not have the money to pay the full balance in one lump sum like that(there are a few billing periods stacked together with late charges for nonpayment), but since I am not on the account, payments are not an option for me.

What are my options if they shut the water off? Who's responsbility are the late charges? Who's responsibility is the bill (i know it is supposed to be mine, but how am I supposed to pay for something that I dont get a bill for?)?

thanks for your help in advance.

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

When I signed my lease in OCT, i signed agreeing that I would be responsible for water and sewer in the house I am living in. Months went by and I did not recieve a bill, but this being my first rental where I was responsible for these charges, I thought nothing of it. Then in JAN, my water was shut off for non-payment. The property management company admitted their mistake and had the water turned back on.

Now for the currnet problem. A couple of weeks ago, i recieved a bill for 373.00 due by March 2nd. The postmark on the envelope was March 27th. This is the first water bill I have ever seen since I moved into this house.The bill is not in my name, but rather the owner of the property. Since I am not on the account(I was supposed to be added to the account back in october, but the property management company is really dropping the ball) I am unable to get any information out of the water company other than if I don't pay the full balance by tomorrow, my water will be shut off. I do not have the money to pay the full balance in one lump sum like that(there are a few billing periods stacked together with late charges for nonpayment), but since I am not on the account, payments are not an option for me.

What are my options if they shut the water off? Who's responsbility are the late charges? Who's responsibility is the bill (i know it is supposed to be mine, but how am I supposed to pay for something that I dont get a bill for?)?

thanks for your help in advance.

So, from Jan to now, AFTER having your water turned off once, you didn't think to inquire?

YOU are responsible because you agreed to be responsible.

 

[03evan]

So, from Jan to now, AFTER having your water turned off once, you didn't think to inquire?

YOU are responsible because you agreed to be responsible.

They told me that they would have everything put in my name and taken care of. The water was shut off in late january, and I don't know the billing frequencies. I wasn't aware that it is my just as the customer to babysit the people I am paying for a service...

 

[Zigner]

They told me that they would have everything put in my name and taken care of. The water was shut off in late january, and I don't know the billing frequencies. I wasn't aware that it is my just as the customer to babysit the people I am paying for a service...

It's elementary. If you are using a service and don't see a bill for it, something is wrong. So, in order to avoid nasty surprises down the road, you try to be proactive in figuring out what is wrong.