News from CRWWD

Direct Tenant Billing

"Unlike other utilities, sewer service is the responsibility of the owner, not the renter," Ken Andrews, District Finance Director said. "And this uniqueness can cause some confusion."

According to Andrews, the process for billing tenants directly is simple.

• Request or download the necessary form (or forms) from the District
• Complete the one-page form (or forms)
• Return the form (or forms) to the District

Tenant and Property Owner Form

When property owners want their tenants billed for sewer service, they must request or download and then complete, sign and return a one-page form called "Request By Owner to Mail Billing to Tenant." The form is available at www.crwwd.com. Owners can mail (PO Box 8979, Vancouver, WA 98668) or fax (360-750-7570) the form to the District office and it's processed within 72 hours, and often the same day it's received. "Our sole condition is the account must have a zero balance," Andrews said.

Property Owner and Property Manager Form

Property managers can also request this form, but may also need a second one. Unless property managers have a "Limited Power of Attorney for Tenant Billings" form signed by the property owner, the owner must sign each form for every tenant. However, with the Limited Power of Attorney in place, the property management company can sign the "request" forms and relieve the property owner of that task.

"Since property owners are responsible for sewer use, they and the tenant will both receive past due notices, as well as the District sewer bill when payments are over 91 days delinquent," Andrews explained. "Once a financial lien goes on the property for past due bills, however, the District cancels the tenant billing, because the property owner is ultimately responsible for payment."

How to Get and Return Forms

The forms mentioned here are available by calling the District office at (360) 750-5876 and asking the Finance Department to mail the forms to you. Or, you can visit the District's web site and download them.

Request by Owner to Mail Billing to Tenant (pdf, 92K)

Limited Power of Attorney Tenant Billings (pdf, 20K)

Return the completed forms to the District by faxing them to (360) 750-7570, hand delivering them to the District or mailing them to PO Box 8979, Vancouver, Washington 98668.

 

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