So, I've got a question for anyone willing to respond.

My old roommate (Scott the douche) told me he was going to move out a couple of months ago.

He moved out June 30. I had already called around June 20 and changed the electric bill to my name, effective July 1.

On July 2 we received an electric bill in the mail. It was still billed to his name and is for around $220. Scott is gone and calling him to talk about this is kind of a last resort. Plus, he's extremely cheap and probably won't pay it.

I assume that when I called to put the electricity in my name that they gave us a new account number.

What happens if we don't pay this bill? Will our power be shut off? Will his credit be ruined?

It is likely the account is linked with the premise and the bill is now yours. I think if you don't pay it, the next bill that comes - in your name - will still have the balance.

Yup.

how does the electric company know that you aren't just a new tenant? i'd call up and play dumb and say that you have a bill here for the previous tenant.

Because he called them and told them to change the bill to his name

ah yes, i missed that.

You're fucked unless you can convince him to pay. Chalk it up to being an expensive lesson in roomates - always make the fuckers pay their share of the last bills BEFORE they leave.

Should have never even called them. Then Scott's bills would have just piled up. You could have had free electric for a few months. Eventually his credit would be completely ruined. Then one day you'd walk by on your way to bang some whore who only wants you for your money, see him begging for some sausage patties out back of McDonalds, and you just smile and say "I'm lovin' it" and go about your day.

but, if he moved out june 30 and you got the bill july 2, he did use that electricity you're being charged for and is still liable to pay under whatever agreement you made for bills.

Couldn't I still say I'm a new tenant? I could just tell them that I was planning on moving in July 1 and didn't want to be without electricity.

I suppose you could try that. Just say that you took over the lease or something, that's why you got it changed instead of setting up a new account.

Then the burden will be on your friend to come after YOU for the money .

...and then the "I'm into Nugget's yall" guys come out from sucking each other off behind the dumpster to bust their rap.

you could just, you know, pay it

And not get to hear the rap? What is wrong with you?

Fuck his sister, amirite?

hi mitchell...just wanted to check up and see if this situation was ever resolved

ttyl, lenny

Never had to pay the bill under his name.

Woah. Hey, Mitchell.

washing machine, do you have any electric bill advice you can offer this mitchell fellow?

Wait as long as you can, then pay as little as you can without getting it disconnected. Don't worry, it won't go on your credit report if it's late as long as you don't let your account grow delinquent.

you've got all the moves