How to Bill Tenant for Water

[Monica Corbett]

Hello, 

In my area the city will not let tenants have their own water/sewer/trash account. The owner of the building must be the only name on the account. I now own 2 duplexes in which all units are metered separately. All leases say that the tenants are responsible for paying all utility bills. 

I live in one unit and until now had been handing the bill to the tenant who lives next to me and allowing him to handle his bill. I recently purchased the other duplex and have just received their first water bills. I have been doing some research and many people recommend paying all the bills yourself and then billing the tenant to compensate you. I would like to do this as I understand I am personally responsible for the bills. 

However, I need some advice. I have read that if they tenants see that the landlord's name is on the bill they will feel less obligated to pay, so what kind of template are others using to bill the tenant? Are you providing the tenant with a copy of the bill and then asking them to pay you? If not, on the letter you send your tenant are you breaking down all the costs and consumption such as it states on the original bill or are you just giving them the total cost due?

Thanks!