Multi-Family Shared Utilities

[Jeremy Taggart]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to get some opinions on a possible triplex I am thinking about offering on. There are two 2BR units and an efficiency apartment in the basement. All 3 units share the same heat/water/sewage. The 2nd floor 2BR unit has separate electricity and cooking gas. The 1st floor 2BR and efficiency share the same electricity. I would plan on living in the efficiency for at least a year, then be moving out at some point. 

Would this be worth pursuing, given the utilities are not separate? What would be the best way to approach shifting the cost of utilities to the tenants? I wouldn't want to include it in the rent because that wouldn't give them an incentive to be careful. Look forward to everyone's opinions!