How many water heaters to install in a 4 unit bldg?

[Brian Cooke]

If i put 4 water heaters in a 4-plex, then the tenants can pay for the cost of heating the water, but I have to pay for 4 heaters and worry about capex on 4 heaters. If I put in 1 heater then I have to pay to heat the water (unless I bother to charge the tenants a proportionate amount every month which is a hassle in my mind), but only have one tank to buy. Which would you recommend? Also, if I go with one tank, then do I have to have 5 meters? 4 for the tenants, and one for me?

[Jeremy Hunsicker]

I would go with a water heater for each unit.  keep the water and power cost on the tenant.  if you went with 1 tank, you would more than likely need a commercial unit to keep up with the demand which would cost more anyway, 1 point of failure, and would need to pay for water and power, or the hassle to figure out how to charge back to each tenant