Alliant Energy has stepped up to help citizens in Mason City who live in rental properties that are caught in the middle of a foreclosure battle between U.S. Bank and their landlord. The city of Mason City has also agreed not to shut off water service.|
Alliant Energy has stepped up to help citizens in Mason City who live in rental properties that are caught in the middle of a foreclosure battle between U.S. Bank and possibly other financial institutions and their landlord. The company in charge of managing the properties and rental units is Hammond Estates, Inc. There was about 57 rental units all over Mason City affected by the foreclosure and/or landlord issue.
Click here to read related story.
Click here to view some photos.
The following letter has been from sent from Alliant Energy to the tenants:
“The electric and natural gas accounts for this property are due to be disconnected. However, we have been working with the City of Mason City to provide you, as a resident at this location with additional time to take action before your utility services are disconnected.
We understand that as a tenant in this property, you were not and are not responsible for payment of your utility bill and we are sympathetic to your situation. For that reason, we have agreed to delay disconnection at occupied units until August 1. We are hopeful that the additional time will allow you to make alternative housing options. As an alternative option, you may move utility service into your personal name and pay for your electric and gas usage going forward.
If any active accounts remain after July 31, we will again post a notice of disconnection and complete the disconnection process within 48 hours of the posting.
If you have any additional questions or are interested in opening your own account at your current address, please contact our customer service center at 1-800-ALLIANT.”
Also, the city of Mason City has agreed not to shut off water to any remaining tenants living in these troubled properties. The city will also send a letter to tenants explaining how the city is helping the tenants.
City Administrator Brent Trout said at Tuesday’s city council meeting that any rental property that is “white-tagged” does not have to pay rent until the issue is resolved. “White-tagged” means a bank has alerted rental tenants that the property they live in is in foreclosure.
Trout also said that garbage has been picked up at a number of these homes.
View city council discussion on the matter:
