Chicago Utility Bill Question

[Sandra Pinzon]

Hi Everyone,

I just bought my first property in Albany Park, Chicago and received my first gas bill - super high! I wanted to ask how other landlords /if other landlords split the gas bill among all the tenants if the gas isn't separated. I'm currently writing the lease - so none of my tenants are on any lease yet. I was thinking of splitting the gas bill per person/per unit but, wasn't sure if that was legal. The idea is if 5 people live in the units - I would split the bill 5 ways and charge them at the end of the month. 

[John Warren]

@Sandra Pinzon I think most land lords in Chicago include the heat (gas) if you have a central boiler. It is tough to split it up fairly, and in most cases you will find you can push the rents to make up for the difference. BTW welcome to Albany Park! I love owning in the neighborhood, and I am seeing some serious rental increases as we pus the rents this year.