Does buyer have to pay past due utilities?

Yes, in most cases, the buyer is responsible for paying past due utilities if those debts are tied to the property being purchased. Typically, any outstanding utility bills become the responsibility of the new owner upon transfer of ownership. However, buyers can negotiate with sellers during the sale process to address these debts, potentially including terms in the purchase agreement. It's important for buyers to conduct a thorough due diligence process to uncover any outstanding utility obligations before finalizing the transaction.