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01-27-2021, 08:26 PM | #2 |
The Demon Preacher
Join Date: Jan 2017
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I have always had to call the utility company and cancel the service any time I've sold a house... the new owner has the responsibility of calling in and setting up service under their name.
The new homeowner wouldn't have the right or ability to cancel service on your behalf. If you didn't call and cancel it, you may very well be on the hook for it. /source - just sold a home in Kansas, I held a realtor's license, and my mother is still a realtor. |
Posts: 9,970
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01-27-2021, 08:30 PM | #3 |
Fish are scared of me
Join Date: Nov 2001
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I would make a copy of the sales contract for the property and send it to the utility company and state you're not responsible for the bill.
and if you haven't received a monthly Bill for 4 years it may just be as simple as they rebooted their system and it defaulted back to an earlier time. That has happened to me several times. Give them a call. |
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01-27-2021, 08:33 PM | #4 |
Veteran
Join Date: May 2019
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When I sold my house in one town I contacted the city utilities and had it set to disconnect two days after closing. So it was still on for the new owners but had a cancelation date on my account.
That said, the house I bought from my brother in a different city on rural electric I just had switched from his name to mine. I dont think he had to call in or anything |
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01-27-2021, 08:36 PM | #5 | |
Fish are scared of me
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Quote:
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01-28-2021, 08:09 AM | #6 | |
Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kansas City, MO
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Posts: 2,444
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01-28-2021, 05:28 PM | #7 |
Cool as a Cucumber
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: on the edge
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When I worked for our city if water bills became delinquent and remained unpaid we would certify it to the county clerk and have it added to the property taxes.
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Posts: 3,822
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01-28-2021, 05:39 PM | #8 |
Admitted Planet Junky
Join Date: Oct 2000
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Yeah, you are gonna have to pay this most likely.
You can check the paperwork from closing and double-check. Either way though most likely since you left it in your name you are accepting responsibility for that water bill during that time. Keep in mind that utility bills run a month behind. So if it is only a month's bill you probably did owe it either way. |
Posts: 19,223
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01-28-2021, 06:00 PM | #9 |
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Billings, Montana
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How big of a bill is it?
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Posts: 69,766
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01-28-2021, 06:08 PM | #10 |
Politically Incorrect
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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The fact that you are claiming this is 4 years old is not adding up.
Is this the first time you ever got this bill? Is it just a small amount like $30 for a short period for arrears that someone forgot to pay? If this is the first time the billed you for this oversight, they aren't going to threaten collections. I would 100% call the water company directly for clarification. There is something missing from your story. |
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01-28-2021, 06:36 PM | #11 |
Like I woke up in Wonderland..
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: KCMO
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That's what I was thinking, although I wasn't sure if that has more to do with renters/landlord. (Renter moves out, it goes back to landlord)
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01-28-2021, 08:19 PM | #12 |
MVP
Join Date: Feb 2017
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01-28-2021, 11:53 PM | #13 |
MVP
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: HERMOSA BEACH,CA
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You left out the most important detail, how much was the bill?
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