A Baltimore woman who inherited her late father’s house says she is now facing the threat of a water shutoff over a staggering $228,000 bill — a debt she insists is tied not just to her home, but to her entire neighborhood, according to reports.
Kristina Moore said the ordeal began in April, when she discovered a notice posted on the front door of the childhood home she inherited. The warning stated that service could be disconnected within 45 days if the massive balance was not paid, WBFF reported.
The problem, Moore says, stems from an unusual billing setup in the 37-home community, which falls under the Springwood Estates Homeowners Association. The neighborhood reportedly operates through a single water meter — and that meter is connected to her address.
That arrangement exists even though individual homeowners track their own water usage and submit payments for their portion to the HOA.
From there, HOA officials are supposed to use those collected payments to cover water bills issued by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
Confused and alarmed by the notice, Moore began reaching out to both the homeowners association and the city’s Department of Public Works in hopes of untangling the billing dispute.
“I actually thought initially that it wouldn’t be my responsibility to pay, so I contacted the HOA,” Moore said.
But when Moore contacted the DPW, she said she was told the responsibility for the enormous water bill still fell on her.
“They’re telling me my property is responsible for this bill, and I can’t sell it until it’s paid in full, she claimed.
A payment plan has since been created – but Moore was reportedly told the notice would remain in place until the bill has been covered in full.
Moore’s residents have also been left baffled by the saga.
“It makes no sense,” one told WBFF.
“We should all have our own bills,” another told the outlet.
Meanwhile, Moore said she feels “let down” by how the saga has been handled.
“This is my childhood home. I work in the city, so I feel let down by the city. I think it’s sad.”
Officials at the Baltimore City Department of Public Works said it couldn’t talk about “a specific customer’s water account” unless it had prior authorization.
