She can if the utilities can't be turned back on or in placed in another accounts name until it's paid off. If it's an issue of water, if you don't follow through with the payment plan, the bill will ultimately go to the homeowner. You're essentially leaving her with an possible outstanding balance and potential bill she'd have to track you down for, whereas she has the right to have any financial ties with you cut completely upon the end your tenancy.

Another issue you may not be aware of is, that your landlord isn't required to hand over the deposit immediately upon move-out. The shortest amount of time a landlord has to turn over a deposit (or statement of items it was applied to) is fourteen days, although most states give the landlord 21-30 days to return a deposit. Less than a handful give as much as 45 days.

If the next tenant can't get utilities turned on until your bill is paid, yes. Or they can sue you (and they will 100% win).

Not landlord's fault you counted on that for gas money.

1st thing - your problems are not her problems

Her problem is that once you have left you can stop the payment plan and the untility companies would have to chase you cross country. While they are doing that they can disconnect the utility

So she could be left with an unrentable place

I'm super happy to say that all of you were wrong! I got my full deposit back! I spoke with a lawyer and It turned out that unless the utilities are in the landlords name they can't legally withhold any of the deposit for it because the utlities are the tenants responsibility only. They also can't assign a fee for breaking the lease or anything else. They can only withhold for damages beyond reasonable wear and tear and costs of relisting. I left the place in immactulate condition and found a new renter for them. She tried to keep it but I got tough an got my way!

Oh and for the asshole who said my problems aren't her problems and I'm in this situation because I buy too many shoes...HAHAHA I wish that was the case! I don't own more than 6 pairs of shoes, I'm responsible, I'm self employed, but this has been a very difficult past couple of months and that's got nothin to do with my integrity or my shoe status.

Thank you all for your input though!

she will keep the deposit and pay the bill....its against housing law...so what...what are your damages....your bill is paid...your're not out money...you sue her you speak first...what can you say I wasn't going to pay my bill on time your honor because...do you think that will work....your best bet is get half the deposit tomorrow in cash....pay your bills..otherwise wait for the money ..you signed the lease and are broke.....should have read it....you did...probably , but you just HAD TO HAVE 104th pair of faux designer shoes

Yes

no if the utilities are in your name then they are your responsibility and your landlord has no legal right to collect on there behalf. However if they are in the landlords name then yes they can.

Yes she can.

My mom has cancer and I have to move to go take care of her. I gave my landlord notice and left the place in spotless condition and did everything I needed to do to get my deposit back. I owe money to the public utility company though and she's trying to take that out of my deposit even though I have a payment plan with the company. Is that something she can do? I'm driving across the country in 2 days and as she's well aware that deposit money is my gas to get there! I can't find anything that states she can legally keep money for utilities that are in my own name