2 units BUT 1 Electric and water meter. HOW TO

[Johnny Tran]

Looking for all suggestions and open to ideas. 

I have a property that consist of 1 building, split legal 2 unit (front and rear).  Front is spacious  2/1 and a large studio in the rear. As stated in the title, the units share utilities. I believe I have no way to split and manage the utilities between the 2, resulting to the landlord officially including the utilities in the rent.  I would charge slightly higher than the average going rent per units in the area to cover the expense. However other than doing a decent job vetting the tenets how can I insure I will not "lose" with covering the utility cost? Can i state something in my rental agreement referring to the specific water and electric over usage? 

Looking to hear of strategies others have used with success with simular case.

I am also thinking of STR both units. Obvious in this case I would be responsible of all utilities...

Thank you all