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Can I get forbearance to avoid eviction due to unpaid water charges?

Can I get forbearance to avoid eviction due to unpaid water charges?

Q: Is it illegal to not have water at home?

Yes, it is generally considered illegal for a landlord to deny water service to tenants, as it violates housing codes that require basic utilities for habitability. If you are without water, you should report the issue to local housing authorities. They can investigate and enforce compliance with housing laws.

Q: Am I responsible for previous owners' water bills?

Typically, you are not responsible for the water bills of previous owners unless you agreed to assume those debts in your purchase agreement. Water bills are usually tied to the property, not the owner. However, check local laws and your purchase contract for specific terms regarding utility responsibilities.

Q: Can you evict someone for not paying water bill?

Yes, a landlord can initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant fails to pay water bills, especially if the lease agreement specifies that tenants are responsible for utilities. However, the process must follow state laws, which often require landlords to provide notice and an opportunity to pay before eviction can occur.

Q: Can a new tenant be held responsible for previous tenant's unpaid utilities bill?

Generally, a new tenant cannot be held responsible for a previous tenant's unpaid utility bills unless there is a specific agreement stating otherwise. Utility accounts are typically tied to the property, not the individual tenant. It's important to clarify utility responsibilities in the lease agreement.

Full question:

I live in a cooperative housing project. Occupants are responsible for paying the water. I never received a water bill. The landlord was aware of the outstanding water charges, based on a monthly accounting ledger, yet never provided me with a bill, nor did the water company. To avoid eviction I entered into a contract to pay 200.00 a month. I was released from confinement in 2007, and have been unable to find work. A housing inspector found that the home is in serious violation of state housing code. A judgement was entered against me for repossession due to failure to pay outstanding carrying charges. Can I obtain forbearance to avoid eviction?

Category: Real Property
Subcategory: Foreclosure
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maryland

Answer:

Forbearance allows a lender to permit you to delay payments for a short time. This doesn’t mean the debt is forgiven; it just allows you to pay later. Forbearance is typically used for temporary financial issues. If your lender thinks the repayment terms can be adjusted, a forbearance agreement may be a suitable compromise.

If you face more serious financial problems, such as an unaffordable variable-rate mortgage, forbearance may not be the right solution. Filing for bankruptcy can provide an automatic stay, which stops creditors from taking action against you or your property. This includes lawsuits, collection calls, repossessions, and foreclosures (11 U.S.C. § 362).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What do you do if you have no water?

If you have no water, first check if it's a temporary issue, like a broken pipe. Contact your water provider to report the problem. If you live in a rental property, inform your landlord immediately. They are typically responsible for maintaining water service. If the issue isn't resolved, you may have legal options, including reporting the problem to local housing authorities. Document all communications and keep records of your water service history for future reference.

What are my rights if I have no water?

If you have no water, you have the right to a habitable living environment, which includes access to water. Landlords are generally required to provide essential services, including water. If they fail to do so, you may have grounds to withhold rent or take legal action. Each state has specific laws regarding tenant rights, so consult local housing regulations for detailed information.