Can a water and sewer company disconnect water service and impose reconnection fees for a delinquent $15 sewer bill?
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Can a water and sewer company disconnect water service and impose reconnection fees for a delinquent $15 sewer bill?
I had received a shut-off notice and in bold print was the amount due. I paid this to the utility and thought no more of it. Service was disconnected anyway because of a $15 delinquent amount that had been turned over to a collection agency. There’s a $50 reconnection fee and the collection agency would only accept cash or money order so I lost a half days pay going there. Is this legal?
Asked on August 4, 2011 Pennsylvania
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Read all bills and agreements that you have with your water and sewer company. Most likely there is language in these documents discussing fees, penalties and reconnection costs if service is disconnected.
I have seen language regarding these fees in the past on utility bills. If there is language on documents you have received from your water and sewer company about the fees that you are unhappy about, the fees to reconnect services due to a shut off of services can be charged to you and the charge would appear to be a valid and enforceable.
Unfortunately, you most likely have no other water and sewer company to use other than the one who shut off your services.
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