Illegal Public Utility Connection of Tenant

Dear Attorney:

We are currently selling one of our properties in Alabang. As we were getting a clearance from a utility company for a new installation for our buyer, we were informed by the utility company that our former tenant was discovered to be using an illegal utility connection for sometime in the same property.

Shortly after they were discovered, said tenant absconded our property after leaving us bouncing checks and cannibalizing our property.

Though they do not give us any written billing or formal statement, the utility company is charging us almost 850T pesos for the estimated usage of our tenant, before they approve a new installation.

We had no knowledge of any such illegal connection, until this recent clearance request. All utility accounts on our said property, which has always been rented out, have always been in the names of our tenants and for their responsibility. This will be reflected in the utility company records.

Our first lease contract with said tenant was notarized, though the final renewal, with same signatures, was not.

Should we, or our buyer, if they purchase the property, be held liable for this illegal connection violation, and should a new utility connection application of the new owner of the property be disapproved on this basis, pending payment of the charges?

We will very much appreciate your kind assistance, comment or advice regarding our situation.

Thank you.

racosap

to compel the utility company to put a connection, you will have to file a complaint at erc or in court. i agree with you that it should not be charged to you, but to enforce your right, it may not be enough to just talk to the utility company.