Utility Liens and Shut-offs
- A city or town owns and operates the utility. (change)
- Water and/or electrical power service charges are delinquent. (change)
- The account has been delinquent for more than four months. (change)
Conclusion
According to the information you provided, the utility can exercise the option to shut off service only for the last four months of charges and must turn the service back on once the four months of charges prior to disconnection have been paid. The utility must pursue other means, such as small claims court, to collect those charges that are more than four months past due.
Explanation
- Utilities may only shut off water electricity to enforce payment of charges that are no more than four months past due. RCW 35.21.290(1); RCW 35.21.300(1)
Legal Authority
Disclaimer
Regarding General Use of Information:
These materials are informational and are subject to change without notice. MRSC and SAO have made good faith efforts to provide reliable interpretations of Washington State and federal law relating to utility liens and shut-offs. This information is not intended to supplant due diligence by your agency's staff, and your agency may have established additional requirements that are not reflected in this tool. Always consult your agency's legal counsel, policies, and ordinances before pursuing a utility lien or shut-off. Neither MRSC or SAO or any officer, or employee of MRSC or SAO warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information or interpretation in these materials and shall not be liable for any losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information or interpretation. Neither MRSC nor SAO are legally bound by any information or interpretation set forth in these materials.