Charging water back to tenants

[Jen Boyd]

Assuming separate water meters are in place already, how could you charge tenants for water without running the risk of non-payment and having unpaid water bills end up creating a lien on your property? As the owner, I feel like this sets you up for liability if tenants do not pay their water bill. Can you write these terms into your lease and evict if the water bill is unpaid? I feel like I would be a wreck checking with my local tax collector every day after the water taxes are due making sure my tenant has paid within the 10-day grace period. Can I pay the water bill for them and then back charge the tenants? I am investing in NJ if that matters. Any advice is greatly appreciated.