2010/07/29 02:04:19 PM Nico Posts: 2	I have a tenant who moved out 1 month after moving in (on a 12 month contract). She repainted the property in her own colours, doing a very messy job of it (without my consent). She also caused other damage, such as a broken bedroom door, a broken gate and a broken bathroom tap. Altogether the damages is much higher than her deposit. My problem now is that she's about R1600 in arrears on her electricity bill, and the municipality refuses to transfer the electricity to the new tenant's name until the previous tenant paid her bill. Also, they now threaten to transfer her arrears bill to my name. Any advise? Can I pay the bill now, and claim what I paid back from her? If I can, should I include both the bill and my proof-of-payment in the letter of arrears (assuming I can send one to her), and can I blacklist her if she doesn't pay? Can I include the rest of the repair costs in the letter of demand? The repair costs are high, as she repainted the whole unit, including door frames, window sills, and almost all the walls. The only places she didn't paint was where she couldn't reach.
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2010/08/02 07:59:07 AM daleen Posts: 2	We have a lot of problems with the City of Tshwane and the electricity bills. They usually don't cut the electricity for flats and townhouses thus we don't know that the tenant did not pay the electricity and is in arrears. They will not connect the electricity on the new tenants name before the previous tenants account has been paid up. They also cut the electricity of the tenants (who's account is paid up) for the arrears of the owner on his taxes. This is quite unfair to me - the tenant has nothing to do with the owners rates! I really don't know how to handle this!
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2010/08/03 01:12:35 PM Nico Posts: 2	I agree that it is very unfair, but my question remains: Can I pay the bill on behalf of my ex-tenant, Can I send her a letter of demand for the bill. Anyone with legal knowledge about this?
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2010/08/07 09:14:14 PM marcl Posts: 40	Never ever have any services account in the name of your tenant. Owner remains liable anyway. Make sure you get the bills and pass to tenant. If tenant does not pay you know the following month and can take action.
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2010/08/10 10:18:12 AM Michelle Posts: 97	Nico, yes you should pay the electricity on behalf of the tenant and the invoice the tenant direct to recover the cost. If the tenant fails to pay, send a letter of demand and lastly you may blacklist the tenant after 20 business days if she remains in arrears. In terms of the RHA the tenant is liable for the rent, damages and all additional cost (such as electricity) under the lease. The deposit can be used to recover these monies due, but should the deposit not cover the full amount outstanding - you have the right to demand payment.
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