Utility Billing FAQs
Questions
- When is my utility bill due and what happens if I can’t pay?
- What about GST and/or PST, are these included on the utility bill?
- Is the tenant or the owner to receive the utility bill?
- What is the owner's responsibility?
- What if I am a new owner and there are arrears on the utility bill prior to my ownership?
Answers
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When is my utility bill due and what happens if I can’t pay?
Utility bills are due and payable by the due date that is indication on the utility bill. A 5% penalty (or late fee) is charged on any overdue accounts. On December 31st, any outstanding balances prior to the last billing cycle for 4th quarter (for metered water) will be transferred to the property tax roll as arrears and the balance will be subject to daily interest.
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What about GST and/or PST, are these included on the utility bill?
There are no GST and/or PST charges on utility bills.
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Is the tenant or the owner to receive the utility bill?
Tenants, owners, third party billing companies, or property managers can receive the utility bill for any property. However, the owner holds the responsibility for any outstanding balances.
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What is the owner's responsibility?
In the event that ownership, tenants, or billing addresses are changed, the owner has the responsibility to notify the Financial Services – Utilities department of the change to ensure that quarterly billings are issued to the correct personnel at the correct billing address. Any such changes should be made in writing to finance@courtenay.ca, via fax to 250-334-4241, or via mail to 830 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay BC, V9N 2J7.
In the event that a leak is discovered the owner has the responsibility to ensure that the leak is fixed. For leaks that occurred anywhere other than on the buried portion of the service between the water meter and the point where the service pipe enters the building, the water that has flown through the line will be reflected on the quarterly invoice and is due and payable without a possibility of a reduction. For more information on water leaks and when the possibility of a reduction in the invoice is available, please see the aforementioned information regarding metered water.
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What if I am a new owner and there are arrears on the utility bill prior to my ownership?
Utilities are charged to the property as this is where water was delivered to. If there are any arrears that were incurred by the previous owner of the property that remain unpaid, the arrears will stay outstanding against the property. Check your Statement of Adjustments to see if an adjustment was given to you during the sale or contact your notary.