Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 8 years ago, 07/24/2016

Account Closed
  • Jamesville, NY
34
Votes |
55
Posts

Best way to have tenant pay for heat?

Account Closed
  • Jamesville, NY
Posted

I have a duplex (I live in half) with completely separate utilities and fuel oil furnaces. I'm tying to figure out the best system for my tenant to pay for his fuel usage. The way I see it I have two options:

1) Work with the oil provider myself and then bill the tenant. This seems like the best way to ensure the tank stays full, but it is also extra work on my part, and then it becomes my responsibility to check my tenant's oil level and call when needed.

2) Have the tenant deal directly with the oil provider and be billed by them. The tenant would be responsible for seeing when they needed it and paying the oil company, and I'm out of the equation. This is the simpler, easier method but what's to prevent the tenant from using their last month of oil, not having it filled, and then leaving it for me or the next tenant to deal with? I know I'm not likely to see any money come after a tenant has moved out.

How do you guys normally handle something like this?

Loading replies...