MO HB1409

Cities, towns, and villages cannot hold property owners liable for occupants' delinquent utility payments; only occupants who received the services can be sued for recovery plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Water and sewer service providers cannot hold property owners liable for occupants' delinquent payments; only occupants can be sued for recovery plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Property owners are not liable for water and sewer delinquencies exceeding 90 days (or 120 days in certain large cities until January 1, 2007).

Provisions do not apply to residences with shared water or sewer lines, where property owners remain liable, or to unapplied-for utility services where owners directly apply and are directly billed.

Utility companies (electrical, gas, water, cable, telecommunications, and similar services) cannot hold property owners liable for occupants' delinquent payments; only occupants can be sued for recovery plus reasonable attorney's fees.