How to submeter heat

[Katherine Rossell]

I am closing on a three unit in the end of July. The building only has one boiler for all of the units but has separate pipes (sorry I don't know the correct term) going to all of the units. How do I submeter them? What company/brand should I use? 

Most importantly, how do I add that into my lease? Will the tenants have to pay me monthly for the heat they use? How many days do they have to pay it by? What happens if they don't pay it? 

Any thoughts would be appreciated!! Thanks :) 

[Darren Sager]

@Katherine Rossell the only really proper way to sub-meter heat is to install separate smaller heating units unique to each unit.  If you building is set up as you say, with separate pipes going to each unit than the cost in doing this is far lower than it would be if the pipes are shared, such is the case in most steam systems.  

You'd need to be able to separate the actual cost of running each unit to be able to have the tenant pay for their own heat, and let them control it as well.  So if they want to keep it at 80 degrees or 65 degrees, it's up to them, they're paying for it so no worries. 

Before you worry about your lease, I would have known the cost of doing this before I closed on the property.  I would ask a good plumber or heating expert much sooner than later.  

Also check into your local laws, depending upon the number of the units in the building you might be required to provide heat and negate your ability to actually do what you want to do.  Again, I would have looked into this before purchasing.