Utility Billing for Rental Properties

Individuals and businesses that have utility accounts with the City of Milwaukie are responsible for all charges related to their account including water, sewer, storm water, SAFE and street charges.

The City treats rental properties the same as non-rental properties.  All utility accounts are the responsibility of the resident or customer using the service and are not the responsibility of the property owner in compliance with municipal code section 13.04.100 unless the property owner specifically requests such responsibility.   

When a tenant moves into a rental property within City limits, it is the tenants responsibility to contact the City and set up utility account.  If payment is not received from the tenant on incurred charges, the City will perform procedures in compliance with the City disconnection policies.  Notification of the City’s intent to shut-off the property is only sent to the tenant unless an alternate arrangement has been made with the landlord.

When a tenant moves out of a rental property, the date of property vacancy will be used as the last billing date for that customer.  The City will issue a final utility bill to the tenant at the tenant’s new address as defined by the tenant upon notification to the City.  If payment is not received from the tenant, the City will perform procedures in compliance with the City Policy Statement on Utility Collections Procedures.

Landlords have the opportunity to institute the City's Landlord Utility Service Agreement (attached below), allowing the landlord to take responsibility for the property billings in between tenants or in the long-term.  Benefits to entering into such a contract with the City are as follows:

• Avoids shut-off for non-payment by tenants
• Avoids shut-off during vacant periods, ensuring the ability to use the utility to show the property and avoids undue risk from turning the water utility on and off
• Ensures ease of move in for new tenants and availability of water service

Completed service agreements will be kept on file by the Utility Billing Department and notes in the account will reflect such agreement.