One Furnace In Duplex

[Adam Smith]

Hello BP! We are looking at a SFR that has been split into two units. It has only one water, gas and electric meter (i.e.- one furnace and one water heater). Wondering how this would work with having two separate tenants.

The water (as long as the water heater is large enough) and electric bill I could just include in the cost of the rent (one option) but the one furnace is what I think I would need to figure out.  One unit is on the main level and the other is the basement so the temperature difference could be around 8 degrees based on our personal home.

I am sure I am not the first person who has come across this.  Just wondering what ideas people have.  Obviously, another furnace would solve the problem but any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Adam

[Chris T.]

@Adam Smith

You could charge both tenants more $ to include the common utilities so you, as the landlord, are responsible for it. However, I don't recommend it. If tenants know their utilities are included in the rent, most of them don't bother to conserve. Especially heating bills in the winter time.

How old is the 1 furnace? The biggest question is the ductwork. If you were to install a 2nd furnace with separate gas lines, how much ductwork do your HVAC contractor have to redo? 

Ask the seller for the last 2 years of utility bills so that you can factor that into your cashflow.