How far back can a landlord legally issue utility bills to a tenant?
A tenant is only responsible for utilities (hydro, heat, telephone, cable/internet access, water, garbage) for the period of tenancy - usually from the date of occupancy until the end of the term. If the place is being redecorated to the new tenant's orders, then it would be reasonable to charge them for heat, hydro, water and garbage for that period. If it was the landlord's decision to redecorate, then the landlord pays.