Saturday, October 20, 2007

Illinois City Takes Action To Avoid Utility Bill Stiffing On Foreclosed Homes

In Geneva, Illinois, the Daily Herald reports:
  • As more customers in Geneva lose their homes to foreclosure, the city of Geneva wants to make sure it isn't stuck with unpaid utility bills for those properties. It's starting to ask foreclosing lenders for a $100 deposit to transfer service, and it is also presenting utility bills to them at real-estate closings if it can't get a deposit. [...] Typically, lenders want electrical service to continue to the homes, even if they are empty, so that lights can be turned on for visitors and furnaces run. [...] "It's just a way for us to control our bad debt," said Don Weis, the city's finance director.
For more, see City wants utilities paid on foreclosed homes.