(a) All persons contracting with the housing authority as a lessor shall be required to supply a tax certification notice which indicates payment of all municipal, county and school district taxes as well as proof of payment of all applicable municipal utility bills. Such certification shall be made upon initial application and annually thereafter. Failure to provide such certifications shall result in denial or termination of any contract with the housing authority.

(b) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

“Municipal Utility Bills.” Bills for services provided by a utility which is wholly owned and operated by a municipality or municipal authority. The term shall include, but not be limited to, water, sewer and solid waste disposal utility bills.