Can I hold onto that deposit until the final utilities bill comes in? Or do I refund them then bill separately for utilities?

Question

Can I hold onto that deposit until the final utilities bill comes in? Or do I refund them then bill separately for utilities?

Anonymous Feb 2, 2016 5 views 1 answers

My tenants have moved out and I know I have 14 days to get them their security deposit back. There is no damage to the unit so they would get their full deposit back. Their lease agreement also has them paying ALL utilities, but when they moved out, we haven't received that final utilities bill yet. The utilities are under the landlords name and not the tenants so I want to make sure I get the utilities paid or else I would be responsible.

Thomas Reilly · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T17:00:59+00:00

What does the lease say about how the security can be used? If it allows for outstanding utility bills that is easy. Why don't you see if the utility companies can give you a bill now. So you can take care of everything immediately

Can I hold onto that deposit until the final utilities bill comes in? Or do I refund them then bill separately for utilities?

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