Q: Am I legally required to pay back previous owner for paying the gas bill after I bought the house?
I purchased the home in 6/2022. I wasn’t aware that the gas and electric were separate companies until 9/2022 when the previous owner reached out and wanted reimbursed for paying the gas bill from 6/2022-9/2022. She paid it for three months before saying anything. Do I legally have to pay her back?
A: The home sale contract that buyer and seller sign, typically specifies that seller must pay for utilities through the date of the closing of the sale, and afterward the buyer is responsible. You would have to pay only if she sues you, the court finds you liable, and enters a judgment against you for the amount of the gas bill, which could then be recorded as a lien against your home.
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