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 four months or less. (change)
- The utility charges have been disputed. (change)
- The owner did not tender the amount the owner claims is due.(change)
- The person using the service is a tenant. (change)
- The account is in the owner's name. (change)
Conclusion
According to the information you have provided, the utility must give the tenant the option to place the water and/or electrical service account in his or her name
Explanation
- Tenant's Option to Receive Service – If a utility would ordinarily be authorized to shut off utility service but a tenant resides at the service address and the billing address is not the same as the service address, the city must provide the tenant the option to receive service on same terms as the owner. The tenant may then deduct payments for utility charges from rent. RCW 35.21.217(5)(a)
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.