Tenant Utility Nonpayment Options

Summary

In Florida, landlords cannot turn off utilities for non-payment as it is considered illegal self-help eviction. Even if utilities are not included in the lease, landlords must follow legal eviction procedures. Landlords can request the utility company to transfer the account to the tenants name and seek legal advice for further actions.

Full Conversation

My only question is we have a house that we rented out and we left the utilities our name the person is not paid us and refuses to pay us. Can we turn them off?
Hello ****,
Could you please share which state is the rented property located in? The laws on dealing with utilities in rental properties vary by state.
Fl
Hello ****,
In Florida, landlords should not turn off utilities due to non-payment. It's considered "self-help" eviction which is illegal.
- Landlords must follow legal eviction process
- Violation can lead to penalties
You may want to consult with a local attorney.
Even if her lease does not include utilities.
Hello ****,
Even if the lease does not include utilities, in Florida:
- Landlords are prohibited from turning off utilities as a form of eviction.
- Legal eviction procedures must be followed.
- Consult with a local attorney for advice on handling this situation.
so she can keep running up the bill under my name, and not be responsible for it at all.
Hello ****,
In Florida, if the tenant is not paying for utilities, you may:
- Request the utility company to transfer the account to the tenant's name.
- Seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential remedies.
- Consider eviction if the tenant breaches the lease agreement.