The rates and charges may be billed to the tenant or tenants occupying the properties served, unless otherwise requested in writing by the owners, but the billings shall in no way relieve the owner from liability in the event payment is not made as herein required. The owners of the properties served which are occupied by tenants shall have the right to examine the collection records of the city for the purpose of determining whether the rates and charges have been paid by the tenants, provided that the examination shall be made at the office at which the records are kept and during the hours that the office is open for business.
(‘89 Code, § 103.14)