Charging tenants for water

[Deville Nunes]

How common is it to charge tenants for water and sewage? Doing so would make this 4-plex property I'm interested in worthwhile. I also feel people wouldn't waste as much if they are paying for it. This property is in Riverside CA.

[Robert Miller]

We require the tenants to have the water and sewer bill in their name so if it doesn't get paid, it is the city who is disconnecting them not the property owner.  If it is the landlord paying the bill you can not turn off water on a tenant for non payment of rent.  

Check with your local area.  Some cities require the property owner to have the bill in their name, so it is not an option to have the tenant pay it.