Four rental property owners filed suit against the City of Teague last week, seeking to overturn an ordinance that holds them liable for unpaid utility bills of tenants.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in 77th District Court are David Huffman, Joycie Burns, Garlan Steed and James B. Lewis.

The lawsuit challenges a city ordinance enacted in Teague on March 9, 2009.

The ordinance requires rental property owners to pay utility bills that have not been paid by tenants, or face penalties that include a $500 per day fine and shutoff of water and sewer service to the property.

Prior to filing the lawsuit, the plaintiffs notified the city that they believed the ordinance is not legal.

Suit pleadings contend that the ordinance violates the Texas Constitution by holding the landlords liable for debts of others, is an illegal taking of property and can deprive the landlords of their property rights.

The action seeks a permanent injunction against enforcing the ordinance, compensation for loss of rental income and reimbursement of fees and fines paid.