State Specific Question About: ILLINOIS (IL)

Each unit on my rental property has its own separate water meter. The town has a minimum usage requirement of 2000 gallons per month the fee is $75 unless the meter shows usage over 2000 gallons.

The township folks informed us they had a village ordinance that required the manager/owner to collect the water bill fee from the tenants. This sounded strange, so we asked to see the "ordinance" in writing. Turned out they lied there was no written village ordinance. So, they called a special meeting to draft the "ordinance". Is this legal? Other places I have property in make the resident pay a deposit and refund the deposit when the tenant leaves.

After we caught them I asked why did they have us collect their fees? The clerk told me because she didn't want to have to deal with bad checks.

Also, they charge us 15% monthly if we pay the bill late. I was sick and in the hospital for several months in 2011. The amount they are claiming is 400% more than the actual bill was. Is this legal??

any ideas...

I would get out the rental business in this state -- sounds like too many lazy ppl working for the city.

Dealing with bad checks is part of most business that collects money by mail.

They are just used to not having to work like in the private sector.

If they can’t handle it they should hire the work out to the private sector. You see a lot of this for that reason. Usually the job is done better and cheaper even with the company making a profit.

Agree they are just being lazy. Would be nice if we could demand a tenants employer be responsible for the rent.

Could you see Cable TV, Electric & Gas companies doing this? Only government workers would expect to be able to demand this.

Most City's will lie to collect illegal fee's or taxes, this is nothing new. There is a cost to fight City Hall. I've spent $20,000 over the past 15 years fighting the Los Angeles govenment and only won a fraction of that back. On principal I've won but it's cost me out of pocket.

Jim,

What part of the state are you in? I assume up north. WOW, they have liquid gold in that water? 75 minimum? Crooks. They want you to collect? Ask them how much of a cut you get for doing THEIR job......

Get their request in writing.

I would show up to the board meeting with an attorney and tell them such. I have no idea if it is legal, but, it shouldn't be, but, that's what out of control government gets you.

I would for sure get a hold of the public utilities commission at the IL commerce commission in Springfield. They regulate utlitites. I would file a complaint with them, that is what they are there for.