HB 1248 Summary

• Prohibits liens from attaching to rental properties for unpaid sewer and storm water fees if the tenant's name is on the account or billing records, or if the owner and tenant have notified the utility that the tenant is responsible for payments.

• Requires utilities to release any existing liens and delinquent fees for tenant-occupied properties when the property owner submits a verified written demand stating the owner is not responsible for the fees and has not been paid by the tenant.

• Modifies notice requirements so utilities must notify property owners of delinquencies within 20 days (rather than "within") after fees become 60 days delinquent, but only if the owner provided a written address for notice.

• Applies these tenant protections to municipal sewer utilities under IC 8-1.5-5 and IC 36-9-23, as well as sewerage districts under IC 36-9-25.

• Effective July 1, 2013.