PSO charging me for a deadbeat renter?

[UnSafe]

Finally evicted a deadbeat tenant from a rental house we own. Called PSO to have power restored and were told that the renter's bill would have to be paid before they'd reconnect.
Anyone have experience with this situation? Of course we're already prepping for the civil case for neglect, damage and back rent but doubt we'll ever see a penny of it, because the renter is... a dirtbag.

 

[rhodesbe]

I really can't believe you're surprised by this.

You own the house. The power company has already released their product to your house.

It seems pretty straightforward that you accept the risk.

 

[p238shooter]

When I rent, I give the renter one week to put the meter/service in his name, I then call in for a disconnect of service.

 

[montesa]

I'm a little surprised by this. They require the renter to put down a deposit and most likely check their credit but then keep the electric service debt with the house? It's not a tax that stays with the property. They should be sending that to collection against the renter it seems to me.

 

[tRidiot]

I'm a little surprised by this. They require the renter to put down a deposit and most likely check their credit but then keep the electric service debt with the house? It's not a tax that stays with the property. They should be sending that to collection against the renter it seems to me.

I thought so, too... didn't know they came back against landlords.

 

[rhodesbe]

The buck stops with the owner. Always. It's been this way forever.

Who else should be obligated to pay for this? Scumbag tenant aside, the power company shouldn't eat it.

 

[CHenry]

Another reason to not become a landlord.

 

[Shoot Summ]

If the electric was in the tenants name, with no connection to you, I don't see how they can pull this off.

The property is not connected to the debt, the former tenant is IMO, unless there is some whacky legislation that the power company snuck through.

 

[SMS]

I'd push back. Ask them what part of Oklahoma state law allows them to hold you liable for another customer's account.

Or contact the Corporation Commision yourself.

 

[Fyrtwuck]

They don't care where they get their money from as long as they get it.