Q: can a water utility company charge a late fee if a partial payment was made.
I was told that if a payment was made even if it was only $1.00 and they received the payment it would be considered a payment plan and a late fee could not be charged. that just doesn't seem correct and I'm trying to learn more
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A:
You may want to review the terms and conditions of your water utility agreement, because not all companies follow the same rules. Even if you were told that paying any small amount before the due date creates a payment plan, that information may not match official policy. Some utilities maintain the right to charge late fees until the entire overdue balance is paid in full.
You could try contacting the utility directly and asking them to explain their late fee policy in writing. If the company has published billing guidelines, you might locate them on its website or request printed materials. Providing evidence of what you were told by a representative may help, but you should still rely on the documented terms.
You might also explore local regulations or consumer protection laws to understand how late fees are handled in your area. This process may guide you in determining if the company is acting within legal bounds. You could consider seeking guidance from a trusted source knowledgeable about utility billing practices, if this issue remains unclear.
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