Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Multi-Family and Apartment Investing
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 4 years ago,

User Stats

335
Posts
469
Votes
Paul Shannon
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Fishers, IN
469
Votes |
335
Posts

Sub-meter water at apartment building

Paul Shannon
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Fishers, IN
Posted

I'm purchasing a 40 unit apartment building (2 buildings of 20 units each).  Each building has only one water meter.  The current owner pays all water, which runs at $1500-2000/mo.  RUBS for gas, all separately metered for electric.  I'm considering two options to handle the water, which I've been told we can't do RUBS with:

1.  Charge the tenants a flat rate for sewer/water/trash that would mostly cover my costs.  This is simple to implement on units that are vacant or turning over, as we intend to update them, add-value, and will have a blank slate.  More difficult with existing leases, which we will likely leave alone at the onset.  

2.  Sub-metering....If anyone has experience with a product that's worked for them, I'd love to hear about it.  I've heard there are sub-meter devices you can hook on to the cold water line coming into the apartment that can monitor that individual units usage.  I like this idea b/c I could cover all my water charges.  Second, if there is a toilet running, leak etc., we could deduct pretty easily where its coming from.  

Would be curious on product recommendations, as well as general recommendations as to how others have handled this situation. 

Loading replies...