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)
Cities and towns operating their own water and electric power systems may enforce payment of delinquent charges by disconnecting service.
Service disconnection can occur at any time after an account is delinquent. However, the disconnection can only be used to enforce collection of the last four months of charges prior to the disconnection. Once the last four months of delinquent charges are paid, even if the delinquency is for more than that, the utility must turn the service back on, and other means, such as small claims court, must be utilized to recover the remaining balance on the account. The utility does retain the option of disconnecting service to enforce collection of any new charges. RCW 35.21.290(1), 35.21.300(1).
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.