Sorry for bringing up this old thread. 

I have been trying to research the possibility of transferring my utilities (water, TNB, IWK) to my tenant's name rather than using my own name.  It seems from this thread you can do it with TNB.  But has anyone else done it or know if you can do it with Syabas or IWK?

I had a bad experience with my tenant recently.  Didn't pay Indah for more than 1 year accruing about $2k bill.  My bad for not diligently checking.  Only found out when Indah send me a court summons.  Though I cleared the summons and recovered the dues from the tenant, still I don't want a repeat.  I was told now unpaid bills can end up on the records of the credit reporting bureaus (CTOS) which will affect your loan application if you plan to invest in properties.

Anybody know other legal ways to have the utilities go after the tenant in the event of non-payment of bills, if an account-holder transfer is not possible?

TNB yes, you can change to tenant's name.  They actually recommend it.  But how much protection that affords with the name change, I don't know.

I also checked with IWK.  Even if the tenants don't pay up and run away for e.g., landlords still need to pay up no matter what.  The rep pointed out the info is on their website which she is right - Under FAQ item 15 Owner/Tenant Liability.  It's the law, supposedly.  Ouch.  Small price to pay for being a landlord I guess.

Haven't check water yet...will update.