CFPUA billing plan aimed at appeasing landlords
By Chris MazzoliniChris.Mazzolini@StarNewsOnline.com
Published: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 5:16 p.m.
Under a new plan intended to appease angry landlords, property owners can choose to make their renters responsible for bills from the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority.What is ... The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority?
The plan would require renters to pay a $200 deposit to open an account, though officials will consider allowing low-income tenants or those with good credit to waive the deposit.
The authority’s current policy is to make property owners responsible for water bills. That has angered landlords who don’t want to be on the hook when a bad tenant skips out. The authority’s billing problems – computer glitches caused bills to be delayed for months – created more headaches because some renters moved out long before their bill arrived, forcing the landlord to pay the tab.
At the urging of landlords and property managers, the authority created a committee to come up with a recommendation. Wilmington Councilman Ron Sparks, who chaired that committee, said the solution is a fair compromise.
“I think this is fair,” he said. “It gives people options.”
A vote on the amended policy is expected on June 24.
Under the new rules, a property owner will decide whether they want the bill in their name or their renters. If the bill stays in the owner’s name, nothing changes. If the owner elects to have the renter responsible, then the renter will have to pay a $200 deposit to get the water turned on.
If a property becomes vacant, responsibility would revert back to the owner, said Customer Service Director Martha Zeigler.
The new policy, if approved, won’t go into effect until October at the earliest.
While making renters responsible for their water bill takes the onus off the owner, the disadvantage is the owner won’t have any access to the renter’s account, Zeigler said. For example, an owner won’t be able to turn off the water if a tenant doesn’t pay the rent.
The new policy would cost the authority an additional $100,000.
Wilmington Councilman Jim Quinn said staff needs to develop some options for dealing with low-income folks – such as Section 8 residents – and those who have good credit. Zeigler said that will be part of the plan presented to the board later this month.
~Chris Mazzolini
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