Water bill charges in Duplex Cleveland Ohio

[Michelle Moss]

Today I received a text from one of my tenants stating I should look at section 375.05 of the Cleveland code regarding utilities, specifically the water as the gas and electric is separately metered at the property. 

  It states that the unit should have individual meters or submeter that measures usage only in tenants dwelling. Also tenant  should only pay for the cost of utilities service that is provided by individual meter. I own the duplex and have language in the lease that the water/sewer charges will be split between the two units. I have owned this property over 12 years and have never had anyone challenge me on this issue. Would like to know if anyone out there has any experience regarding this issue. 

Thank you!!

[Joel W.]

Does a flat fee per month worked into the lease for "extra utilities" work? example: in lease "tenant agrees to pay a fee of $50 per month to pay for unmetered utilities" ???