Hello, I have a commercial property and the tenant left in July. I have since received a bill from the water company for his water rates and usage, totalling around $600. Unfortunately their policy is that if the tenant doesn't respond to Final Notice demands for payment the onus is then on me, the landlord. My rental agent say they have been "unable to contact him"..I believe he is running a business a few suburbs over. The bill is due for final payment on Nov 6th. I have the original copy issued to the tenant as well as a duplicate copy now issued in my name (how can that happen?!!) . I want to try to recover this debt. Should I pay the water company in the meantime (who are threatening to disconnect but here is now a new tenant in there!) and hope for a reimbursement from the tenant, or is it best to not pay it and see if I can somehow get him to pay it direct to the water company?
Does anyone know what options I have to try to force him to pay this bill??? or reimburse me once Ive paid it...? I at least want him black-listed as someone who doesnt pay their bills....