Duplexes and separate heat and water

[Eric Schilk]

I have 16 properties in Michigan.  3 are duplexes that we bought last year and they have shared water and gas.  How we have it set up now it that the lower (control over the thermostat) pays gas and the upper pays water.  The gas is much higher than water.  We had a issue where a tenant had the gas shut off but after that we had a continuous service listed in our name.  We have thought about separating the services but the cost seems so high to do so and it would take me years to recover it.  We have had only minor issues to date with it.  Anyone else have experience with it?  Worth it to keep them shared or pay the money to separate?  Thanks