When Your Landlord Doesn't Pay The Water/Sewer Bill
People who rent are sometimes caught in the "middle" when a landlord has not paid his or her water, gas or electric bill and as a result a utility must turn off the service. There are some things that you, as a tenant can do to keep your water/sewer service.
Tenants should remember that the owner of the property is responsible for contracting water/sewer service. However, your lease or rental agreement with your landlord governs who pays the bills.
The process leading to turn off of service consists of three steps, including notification of the tenant eight days prior to discontinuation of service. This notice provides the tenant the opportunity to talk to the landlord and try to resolve the problem.
If during these eight days it seems the owner will not pay the bill, the tenant should immediately call the Department of Public Utilities Customer Service, (419) 245-1800, before the turn-off to arrange for continued water/sewer service.
Medical Certificates
If a licensed physician determines that disconnection of your water service would prevent the operation of life-supporting medical equipment to a permanent resident of your household, you may postpone that disconnection by providing a signed form from your physician. You must also enter into a payment agreement. The medical certificate prohibits disconnection of utility service for 30 days and may be renewed twice by a physician if payment arrangements are being kept. The total certification period must not exceed ninety days in any twelve-month period. To arrange for a medical certificate, call (419) 245-1800.
Green Cards
Filling out green cards helps us improve our service and protects you from receiving an erroneous bill. Toledo residents are equipped with an inside water meter and an outside remote register. Customers are billed based on the outside meter reading which is taken by DPU employees. It is important for customers to check that the reading on the outside meter matches that of the inside meter to ensure that they are being billed correctly.
Green cards are mailed with the first bill of each year and include instructions for obtaining these readings. If you discover your readings do not match, call customer service (419) 245-1800, between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Third Party Notification
For the aged and infirm and those who may not understand the consequences of having their utilities shut off because of non-payment, customers can designate a relative, friend or neighbor as a third party to receive a duplicate copy of a disconnection notice. For further information, call (419) 245-1800.