Who is responsible for outstanding utility bill after purchasing a property at sheriff sale?
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Who is responsible for outstanding utility bill after purchasing a property at sheriff sale?
Good afternoon,
We obtained property at sheriff sale. However when we went to turn electric on
there was a past due bill of over 3000.00. Who would be responsible for paying
this bill? Can we request that the bank that was selling it at sheriff sales
reimburse us? Or should previous owner be responsible? Please let us know. Thank
you.
Anna Truba
Asked on December 7, 2018 under Real Estate Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Whomever incurred the bill (presumably the previous owner) is ultimately responsible, but you will almost certainly my have to pay it in order to get service (the utility is allowed to not connect a property with an outstanding bill); you then have to sue for reimbursement if you deem it worthwhile (e.g. if you think they'd have the money and you can collect from then).
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