Its can be common that some home owners that live abroad can forget to check on their bank balance. Sometimes, when the balance is not sufficient some debits an bounce and not get paid.


This is most common for almost all bills such as; electric, water, community debits, IBI, Basura & others.


Electricity Bills: When electric bills are not paid due to insufficient funds in an account. The electric company will not resend the debit, they only accept the payment to be made by bank transfer or manually at one of their offices. If a bill is left unpaid for a certain length of time the electric company will proceed to cutting off the electrical supply. If any bill is rejected by your bank additional late payment charges may apply. 


Water Bills:  When water bills are not paid due to insufficient funds in an account. The water company will not resend the debit, they only accept the payment to be made by bank transfer or manually at one of their offices. If a bill is left unpaid for a certain length of time the water company will proceed to cutting off the supply. If any bill is rejected by your bank additional late payment charges may apply. 


Community fees: Most communities offer early payment discounts. These discounts can be of up to 50%. In the case there is a debt with the community, the community may not allow the homeowner to use the community facilities, such as pools, gardens, etc...  Most of the times, a rejected bill will result in additional penalty to be paid by the homeowner. 


IBI & Basura: If a IBI or Basura bill is rejected by your bank due to insufficient funds, a penalty charge will be added to the total bill and all future debits will be cancelled. This results in having to set up a new direct debit with the local tax authority.