Does the City have authority to make me responsible for utilities used by the tenant?

Ultimately, if City utility bills remain unpaid, state law allows the City to assess the charges, penalties and interest against the real property served by the utility. This is consistent with the concept that it is the property that receives the benefit of the utility service, not simply the user. 

Minnesota Statutes

Minnesota Statute 444.075, s. 3(e) states: The governing body may make the charges a charge against the owner, lessee, occupant or all of them and may provide and covenant for certifying unpaid charges to the county auditor with taxes against the property served.

Minnesota Statute 116A.22 provides: Charges established for connections to and the use and availability of service from any water or sewer or combined system, if not paid when due, shall, together with any penalties established for nonpayment, become a lien upon the property connected or for which service was made available. written notice shall be mailed to the owner of any property as to which such charges are then due and unpaid, stating the amount of the charges and any penalty thereon and that unless paid the same will be certified...and assessed as a tax...upon the property for collection with and as a part of other taxes.




Show All Answers

1. Why are City utilities the responsibility of the property owner, when it is the tenant or occupant using the utilities?
2. Does the City have authority to make me responsible for utilities used by the tenant?
3. What difficulties has the City encountered in billing the property's tenant?
4. Why can't the landlord have the tenant's water shut off?