Source; https://www.tolet.com.ng/blog/how-to-deal-with-outstanding-utility-bills-for-a-newly-rented-apartment/?utm_source=naraland&utm_campaign=nairaland16_01_2017&utm_medium=blog

You know that headache you get when you discover that the new three bedroom flat you just rented has an outstanding bill of 100,000 NGN after your first two weeks of relocation. Then you get angry and confused at the same time. Now, it’s your landlord turn to start avoiding you. Especially if he doesn’t stay in the same compound.

We rented an apartment where there was no light because the IKEDC official had disconnected the light. So there was no utility bill for a year. We were not enjoying electricity because the previous tenants tapped electricity from the next building and we could not do so because of some religious reasons. The (Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company) IKEDC officials didn’t do their job well. They were busy adding up bills for a flat that they had taken the wires away. The bill is now a whopping sum of 300,000 NGN.

Pls advice me on what to do in the comment section.

Issue of outstanding electricity bill is to be settled by the Landlord / Agent before a new tenant move into the apartment. You don't need to go to the Electricity company yourself.. But take up the matter with the Landlord / Agent in charge of the apartment. If you rented the house without an agent it will be hard to get to the Landlord as you rightly stated that he has been avoiding you. Just keep disturbing either of the party. Agent / Landlord or both.

This is what happens when landlord /Agent doesn't take inventory after a tenant leave an apartment.