Tenants transferred utilities into another name

[tffnymr]

My current renters have been inconsistent with their rent payments, when they pay, for over two years now... I have been patient and more than generous in working with them in their struggle; however they have ruined my credit at the utility department. I have given them written notice that they need to be out of the premises in 120 days- more than enough time to move out. Instead of cooperating, they have run up an outstanding balance of over 1000.00 dollars in extensions and late fees or unpaid utilities at the utility department- which was in my name as landlord, renting to them- Months previously I had given the utility department notice to NOT give extensions on the bill- I have no idea how they let it get this out of hand...
Anyway, instead of paying their debt, they had the utilities transferred into their names - leaving me with ruined credit and a $1000.00 unpaid balance due, while they're starting fresh with the utilities in their name. How can the utility department let this happen...they know they won't pay their bill- no matter what name its in...

I checked locally and it is common for utilities to be in landlord names, paid by the tenants that they rent to...

Furthermore they are refusing to vacate the house, even though they more than qualify for housing elsewhere! So what can I do about the bills that they are stiffing me with and how do I get them out of my house?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Begin the eviction process on Monday as outlined by your particular state (if you'll list your state we'll send you a link on how to do this).

Then sue them both for owed rent and these utility bills.

Gail

 

[tffnymr]

Tennessee is the state. Thanks alot- that'd be great!

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

This may help...

http://www.tba.org/lawbytes/t10_1902.html

If your tenants do not have a written lease with you, they are considered to be "month to month" renters (i.e., their lease runs from the first day of each month to the last day of the the month).

Month to month tenancies can be terminated (by either party) with a written, 30 day notice.

If you have already given them a 120 day WRITTEN (so you have documentation of this) notice to vacate the unit (a very generous time period by the way!) and they have ignored/refused to comply with your demand, you can then march down to your local court office and begin the formal process of eviction. This typically involves filling out forms, paying a fee (which varies from city to city); they will then be "served" with a notice regarding a court hearing where both sides can argue why they should or should not be evicted.

In many cases, a tenant will not show for this hearing; you would then automatically win the judgement for eviction. You would then be notified when this eviction will actually take place. If your tenants still haven't budged by the date/time of the eviction, they will be removed by the law enforcement official overseeing the eviction process.

Gail